Team of scuba divers to explore history of Lake Berryessa

A group of scuba divers are planning to re-discover the underwater Town of Monticello by scuba diving to the bottom of Lake Berryessa in Napa County, California this autumn.

Sharon Eckroth and her group of friends are trimix and tech divers from East bay in Northern California, who are planning to explore the famous Putah Creek Bridge that is now submerged beneath the lake waters.

The divers are planning to document and photograph the bridge and any remains of the old town of Monticello, as well as find and explore the 1941 Capell Creek Bridge which was once seen above water during the drought in the 1990’s.

Sharon explained: “We have been working the project from several angles for about 5 years now. Done a few dives in the dark, cold, 3 ft viz water and yet to find something. We have been on the lake with depth and fish finders looking for obstacles, depressions, debris, etc. We have performed a few dives. But with the poor visibility, one could be 10 feet from the target and swim right by it.

“We have been calculating lake levels then and now to determine depths. After runs over the area with fish and depth finders and a tow fish, we found some interesting spikes that are out of place along the bottom.”

The team members have been carrying out their research prior to their scuba diving expedition which will take place in November.

“In recent months we have located several folks, descendents of Monticello residents who have offered exciting new insight to our effort,” Sharon commented. “We are engaged in this project as a means to help preserve the colourful history of the area, feed our love for adventure and most importantly give back to the families to let them know this wonderful community is not forgotten!”

She added: “We have searched current and historical maps, lake maps, Bureau of Reclamation records, USGS data, bridge experts, lake levels over the years, depth readings, media articles, local people and their memories, and historical records, to list a few. This has been an exciting escapade and enhanced with every new detail we uncover!”

Before embarking on their adventures in Lake Berryessa, the divers are heading off to their scuba diving holidays in Florida in October where they will be enjoying cave diving activities.

Though Lake Berryessa is not one of the most exotic scuba diving destinations, the area is hotspot for water skiing, jet skiing, kayaking, canoeing and swimming.