From Amanda Mochan in Colorado (USA)
On Saturday, August 20, I traveled to beautiful Pagosa Springs,
Colorado to oversee the measurement of the deepest geothermal hot
spring measured by a plumb line. The hot spring is located at
the elegant property The Springs Resort and Spa.
This was a new record category, so a minimum requirement had not
yet been set. The hot spring had previously been unofficially
measured at a depth of more than 1,000 ft., so I knew that the
spring was quite deep.
Upon arrival, I met with hydrologist John Casey from Basin
Engineering in Durango, Colorado. John had a plumb line that
reached a maximum depth of 1002 ft. (305.41 m), but what makes this
record interesting is that no one really knows just how deep the
hot spring is. Every time the spring has been measured, the
plumb line ran out before reaching the bottom.
The 'mother spring' is a turquoise pool approximately 35 feet
across with an average depth of 20-30 ft. About 15 feet from
one edge, there is a hole in the bottom of two feet in
diameter. This is the main spring that reaches an unknown
depth, and is the spring that the hydrologist measured.
After I confirmed that the plumb line had a maximum measurement
of 1002 ft., John lowered the line into the spring and we watched
and waited in anticipation as the line went down…and down…and
down. After about ten minutes, the line ran out without
hitting any obstacles, and a new Guinness World Records achievement
was verified.
The world's deepest measured hot spring is a fitting title for
what can arguably be called the world's most beautiful hot spring
resort. Discovered hundreds of years ago by the Southern Ute
Indian Tribe, the hot springs were revered for their rejuvenating
and healing qualities. In the 1860's, the United States Army
studied the medicinal effects of the springs, and the first bath
house was built in 1881.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and The Springs is
now a world-class resort that features numerous soaking pools that
are fed by the mother spring. In addition, The Springs is
ecologically-forward; the mother spring provides the hot water for
the hotel's property and the nearby San Juan River provides the
cold water.
Congratulations and thanks go out to the following:
R.D. Whittington - Director of Sales, The Springs Resort and
Spa
Nerissa Whittington - Owner, The Springs Resort and Spa
Keely Whittington - Owner, The Springs Resort and Spa
Mayor Ross Aragon - Mayor of Pagosa Springs
Southern Heritage Ute Dancers
The staff at The Springs Resort and Spa
Griselda Cervantes - Old Time Photos
John Casey - Basin Engineering
