Source du Cunhac

Character of Cunhac

Source du Cunhac, known to many cave divers as Ressel 2, lies on the left bank of the Lot, directly below the Saut de la Mounine. The system is considerably shorter than the Ressel, but its changing profile, deeper final section and often silty floor give it a character of its own.

The modern 2016 survey gives a length of 328 m and a maximum depth of 45 m. The historical 1994 exploration reached approximately 360 m, with a deepest point around -47 m. Both values are therefore shown on this page.

The first section remains relatively shallow. Farther in, the system includes a loop and a jump, after which the profile descends into the deeper final section. The cave is relatively compact, but fine sediment can quickly reduce visibility if finning is careless.

Warning: the entrance is reached via the river. The current and water level of the Lot can change. Assess conditions on site and check current local information before crossing the river.

🗺️ Survey Source du Cunhac

The two 2016 surveys show both the developed profile (coupe) and the plan view of the system.

COUPE · developed profile · 2016 🔍 Enlarge PLAN · plan view · 2016 🔍 Enlarge

🧭 Exploration

The spring was pointed out to Éric Lapouze-Troude by M. Cunhac in 1993. In 1994, members of B.R.E.N., supported by CDS 27, began exploration. The line was extended over successive dives. In the summer of 1994 a terminus at around 360 m was reached, with a deepest point of approximately -47 m.

The name Cunhac was given to the spring with M. Cunhac’s permission. Later inspections of the terminal area confirmed that the system transitions there into narrow branches.