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Dive Log > JohnRTexas > Lea Lake/Bottomless Lake
Tue, June 22, 2021
Dives: 1
Bottom Time: 43 minutes
Max Depth: 41-50ft/12-15m
Avg Viz: Under 5ft/2m
Water Temp: 66-70°F/19-21°C
Weight: 6
Exposure Suit: Fullsuit - 3
Tank Type: AL - 100cf/13L
Gas Type: Air
Dive Type: Altitude
Dive Buddy:   Caitlyn Reed
Lea Lake/Bottomless Lake
Roswell, NM
Water Type: Fresh
Entry Type: Shore
Dove on June 22, 2021 with my daughter, Caitlyn. We didn’t expect the salty water, not sure if it was only a top layer or throughout, but definitely plan on weighting closer to seawater. Thankfully I had extra weight with me as there are no dive shops within 150 miles. Probably because there isn’t decent diving in that distance! The water upon entry felt about 70-72, my Leonardo 2 read 68 the whole dive so I know it isn’t very accurate. There was a distinct thermocline at 25-30 ft and our 3mm full suits weren’t enough to stand it more than a minute or two. We leveled out at that depth and cruised the edges. It was interesting, almost a wall dive where we were, but covered in vegetation. We didn’t see any other aquatic life to speak of, just a handful of tiny minnows. The visibility was pretty poor. About 5’. The color of the water is misleading, a pretty blue/green, suggesting great visibility, which is not the case. If this is the only option you have for a dive, go for it. Be prepared to haul your gear salty because there aren’t many options to rinse your gear at the park. We weren’t ready for that either! Improvise, adapt, and overcome, as they say. If I dive New Mexico again it will definitely be Blue Hole, Perch Lake, or maybe Elephant Butte if that lake fills up some. I got a New Mexico desert dive off list, so I’m pleased with that!