Numbering Conventions

Eastern Massif, Picos de Europa, Northern Spain

LUSS

The original LUSS sites were marked either in dark red or orange paint with a T designation (with the exception of caves 1-50) e.g. T999. A few others may also have the designation, the club and the year e.g. T999 LUSS 78.

In the majority of cases the paint has faded considerably and is difficult to find / decipher.

A number of major cave sites are also marked with a metal tag with the same designation format (ed. I have never found one of these!)

Due to the nature of early exploration and the large groups undertaking surface work there are obvious gaps between number sequences. 

  • 1975 – 1977 – numbers used without designation (ie. 55, 56), in the 75-77 journal the last cave is 63
  • In 1978 the T system was introduced, with the top camp (near Caseton de Andara) log book, on the first day of exploration starting with T74 and T75. T64 and T65 exist but they were at Middle Camp (near Majada de Llama)

Interclub (A.D. KAMI – GE.FLASH – Tracalet)

Numbered according to the area and then a number. 

The sites are not always marked, so location co-ordinates are required.  (there are overlaps / numbering changes between original LUSS sites and subsequent Spanish exploration work).

  • VA – Valdominguero
  • CS – Cueto de los Senderos
  • GA – Grajal de Abajo
  • PB – Pico Boro
  • HO – Hoyo Oscuro
  • SC – San Carlos
  • AN – Andara
  • M – Mancondiu
  • S – Samelar
  • VL – Vaho de Lobos
  • RT – Revuelta del Tejo (but also used to denote ‘Other’)
  • HE – Hoyo Evangelista
  • SN – Samelar (North) – La Gobia area
  • C – Sierra del a Corta

Tresviso Caves Project

The recent expeditions have continued with the old T designation, beginning from T500. If suitable, old gaps between numbering are used.

Other

RCA – original mining company markings
X – original mining company markings
FT – LSD – French exploration in 1980’s, mainly Valdominguero area (ed. FT stands for ‘French Technique’)

Spanish Vs English

A lot of the caves and corresponding areas are called different names by the Spanish, compared to the original English (mainly LUSS) names.  The following is a guide to the main ‘translations’, further details contained in the cave database:

SpanishEnglish
Cillorigo de LiébanaRegional name for Andara range
Caseton de AndaraThe White House refugio
Pozo de AndaraThe Lake Depression
Vegas de AndaraThe Sara Depression
Pico Grajal de Castillo, Grajal de AbajoThe Grajal Depression
Pico Boro and Picu del BoruPico Moro
Minas de Mazarassaarea of ‘mines’ above the White House
Cueto de los Senderos56 Depression
Valdediezma / ValdelafuenteValle de Valdediezma
Jitu de EscarandiThe ‘crossroads’ (now a car park)
Torca del Cueto SenderosSima 56
Torca del Picu BoruFlowerpot
Torca del Cueto del los CalabrarosDossers Delight
Torca de BranarredondaFallen Bear
Cueva del Nacimiento (de Rio Urdon)Cueva del Agua
RamazosaBoulderosa