News Release May 21, 2008
Contact: Alexandra Picavet 1-559-565-3131

Crystal Cave Reopened for Tours

Sequoia National Park Late in the afternoon on May 15 park employees working in Crystal Cave found what appeared to be live explosives. After discovery was made all visitors and employees were evacuated from the area and park officials contacted the Chief Regional Blaster, who is certified in abandoned explosives for the National Park Service.

On May 16, the Chief Blaster and Cave Specialist assessed the situation and found three drilled holes that potentially contain unexploded charges dating back to the late 1930s. They worked with park managers and staff to formulate a plan to remove any explosives with little to no damage to the natural formations in the cave.

Yesterday, in an operation that lasted until 9:00 pm, the Chief Blaster removed the wires from the three holes. Upon the removal of the wires the next step was to ensure no live explosives remain in the holes. The Chief Blaster set off a total of seven small charges in an effort to cause the historic explosives to ignite. None of the explosives from the 1930s ignited, the material was determined inert and removed manually from the holes.

Crystal Cave reopened to the public at noon today. Visitors are happy to be able to tour Crystal Cave, one of the most visited areas in Sequoia National Park.

Visitors planning to come to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks over the Memorial Day weekend are advised to plan ahead by viewing the park's website at www.nps.gov/seki.