Valhalla Missile Silo is a fresh water dive site, located in Abilene, TX with a maximum depth of 111-120ft/34-37m at a balmy 60 degrees year round and offers an average visibility range of 16-20ft/5-6m from top to bottom.
Okay, so how did this decommissioned missile silo become a dive destination?
During the cold war, in the rolling hills of the steamboat mountain range of West Texas near Abilene, the United States Air Force built twelve sturdy underground structures to house, maintain, and deploy an Atlas Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). Aimed at the USSR (what we commonly call Russia today), these missiles were part of our Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) deterrent program.
At the end of the cold war, and various other disarmament treaties, the missiles were removed and these hardened Missile Silos were eventually sold for salvage to the highest bidder. Most were disassembled to varying degrees with the internal metal components sold for scrap. The silo is a concrete structure, and since concrete is naturally porous, over the years the silos partially or completely flooded with groundwater that filters in over time (assuming there is not active pumping station running).
The only safely diveable Atlas Hardened Missile Silo in existence today is run by Family Scuba Center in Midland, Texas and is called ’Dive Valhalla’.
Scott Baker, Dive Instructor
Okay, so how many people have ever even seen a missle silo, much less taken a guided tour and gotten to scuba dive in one? While I would classify this as a been-there-done-that experience, it is a unique place to include in your dive log. I had more fun learning about the silo’s history and actually staying the night on the second level.
The water is 60 degrees, 130’ deep and crystal clear. The silo is 60’ in diameter and everything from the dressing areas to the electric gear winch, lighting systems and the actual dive area is 50-70’ underground. Mark and Linda Hannifin, owners of Family Scuba Center feel that the main draw for divers is the exclusivity and uniqueness of the site.
There is very little available light underwater, so be sure and bring your own dive light, backup dive light and marker light.
With constant 68 degree air temperature and consistent lighting at all times, and without overhead obstructions, the diving is safe and comfortable for certified divers, though experience diving at altitude is highly encouraged. Since divers must climb down stairs 30’ in full gear to get to the water and 30’ back up to get out, you need to be in good health and physical condition to enjoy this dive.
Dive Valhalla is not open to the general public, but dives are easily arranged for dive clubs and dive shops by reservation. Dive Valhalla staff help coordinate getting the gear and divers from the dressing room level to the water and back safely, as well as doing some of the underwater photography and videography.
