Esquerdes de Palomera

An important group of fissures near the Pleta de la Vila (Saldes), at the upper part of the Palomera crag, with a complex network of aerial and subterranean sections.

Saldes • Berguedà 500m 65m

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An important group of fissures near the Pleta de la Vila (Saldes), at the upper part of the Palomera crag, with a complex network of aerial and subterranean sections.

Saldes · Berguedà

Length: 500 m · Depth: 65 m

Updated record

https://espeleoworld.com/en/c/esquerdes-de-palomera

Information can change. Always verify coordinates, access, weather, and cave conditions before setting out.

Topographic map of the main entrance — Main entrance · ICGC topographic map

An important group of fissures near the Pleta de la Vila (Saldes), at the upper part of the Palomera crag, with a complex network of aerial and subterranean sections.

Characteristics

Type: Pothole
Municipality: Saldes
Region: Berguedà
Unit: Peguera - Ensija
Length: 500 meters
Depth: 65 meters
Major Unit: Prepirineu
Lithology: Limestone
Updated on EspeleoÍndex: February 10, 2020

Location

The group is found at the upper part of the Palomera crag, which is bounded on the east by a spectacular and extensive chaos of blocks known as 'Rocs de Palomera' or 'Els Graus'.

The most comfortable access is from the Pleta de la Vila. From the viewpoint of this spot, we can contemplate the Rocs de Palomera and the crag above which the fissures have formed. From the Pleta de la Vila to the fissures it is about half an hour on foot.

Entrances

Always verify coordinates and access conditions before setting out.

Palomera, Esquerdes de
Elevation: 1622 m
42.209852, 1.755427
UTM 31T (ETRS89) 397266 4673826
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Topographic

Esquerdes de Palomera - Topography, Saldes, Berguedà

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Description

Morphology

It is a complex network of fissures generated at the foot of the crag. There are fissures of different lengths and widths; some are isolated, but a good part of them connect with the other fissures of the network. Although a good part of the fissures are aerial, there are also many subterranean sections.

The accompanying sketch shows only the most visible fissures, but there are many more.

On the other hand, in the area there are many fissurings. We come across them as we follow the crag towards the east.

Progression

Movement inside the fissures is very complex: we find wedged blocks, as well as shafts, small shafts and narrow passages that make the exploration very athletic.

Other details

The speleometric data are estimated. The total route will exceed 500 m and the vertical drop is approximately 65 m. A complete exploration and topographic survey of the whole group remains pending.

History

The first known speleological reference is from the explorations carried out by members of the Espeleo Club de Gràcia and the Grup d'Espeleologia de Badalona during the years 2008-2009.

Ferran Cardona (ECG) provides a brief note that is published in the Catàleg Espeleològic de Catalunya (2009).