No injured cavers recorded.
On March 7, 1982 a group of cavers obtained a permit at Lava Beds National Monument to enter undeveloped caves beyond Post Office Cave in the Post Office Cave System. Caves in the Monument are named as the portion of a system around a certain entrance. The entrance to Post Office Cave had collapsed and a sign had been placed in the passage leading to other parts of the system indicating that that "cave" was closed. The cavers entered the Silver Cave entrance to the system, proceeded past the Post Office Cave closure sign and through a very low, tight crawl into the main Post Office Cave. In trying to reach a lower level, one of the group fell receiving multiple minor contusions and lacerations. At around 1 p.m. Park Service personnel responded to a request for help but arrived at the tight crawl into Post Office Cave as the victim was emerging. He had been assisted to that point by members of his own group. He was taken to Monument Headquarters for first-aid and released.
The accident party had proper equipment for rappelling but were reportedly using it incorrectly, or not at all, at the time of the accident. It is felt by the Park Service personnel that the incident would have become more serious if the victim had not been able to negotiate the tight crawl himself. This might have necessitated removal of the Post Office Entrance collapse.
A caver fell while trying to reach a lower level in the Post Office Cave System, receiving minor contusions and lacerations.