Exploring Stonewall Sinkhole in Austin, Texas. One of Austin’s lesser known sinkholes.

Stonewall Sinkhole is one of Austin’s lesser known sinkholes located in the Balcones Fault Zone. Not too much is known about karst feature. This news article will explain what Stonewall Sinkhole is. Stonewall Sinkhole is located next to Stonewall Cave. Stonewall Sinkhole is also known as Stonewall Sink.

 

Stonewall Sinkhole is another one of Austin’s forgotten sinkholes and lesser known sinkholes located in the Balcones Fault Zone. The rock formation of Stonewall Sinkhole is composed entirely of limestone formation due to being located in the Balcones Fault Zone. Large karst features are noticeable from the surface.  

The diameter of Stonewall Sinkhole is 1 x 2. 1 foot deep and 2 feet wide. The entrance is a foot long drop which leads to a slope which extends 2 feet next to a rock ceiling with only enough crawling room for one or two people. This crawling room extends 4 feet going in a southwest bound direction. At the bottom of this crawling room is a clay floor covered in soft soil. The room transcends into a tight squeeze leading to a dark room. (Ref: https://downloads.regulations.gov/FWS-R2-ES-2017-0018-0018/attachment_1.pdf)

Insects such as mosquitos, fire ants, and grasshoppers can be found in and around Stonewall Sinkhole along the outside boundaries. These features are not believed to be directly related to any sinkhole with federally listed species. Stonewall Sinkhole is not known to contain federally listed species or karst features. The ecosystem of Stonewall Sinkhole has been sparred from being destroyed or heavily impacted by ongoing construction and ongoing development. All of Stonewall Sinkhole has been sparred from complete destruction. (Ref: https://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/Documents/R2ES/draft%20GDF%20EAHCP%20for%20public%20comment.pdf)

Stonewall Sinkhole has not been thoroughly explored or properly surveyed. This cave has not been mapped. Exploring Stonewall Sinkhole has never been done before. However finding the location of this cave was very easy because the opening was visible from road view. Finding and locating Stonewall Sink is because this cave is located on a tiny island of pavement behind a Dairy Queen restaurant and car wash.

Stonewall Sinkhole is located off FM 620 and Zimmerman Lane, Austin, Texas, US 78726. The precise location and address is 7710 North FM 620, Austin, Texas, US 78726.