description Wink Sink No. 1 Overview
Wink Sink No. 1 is a large geological sinkhole located in Winkler County, West Texas, that first collapsed on June 3, 1980. The crater was caused by the subsurface dissolution of the Salado salt formation, a phenomenon heavily linked to the region's historical oil and gas extraction activities. It measures hundreds of feet across and continues to pose an ongoing geological hazard as its edges gradually expand.
A second, similar sinkhole, Wink Sink No. 2, subsequently formed nearby in 2002, highlighting the persistent ground instability in the area.
help Wink Sink No. 1 FAQ
Where is Wink Sink No. 1?
Wink Sink No. 1 is in Winkler County in West Texas. It lies in an oil-producing region where underground geology has been altered by the dissolution of salt formations.
When did Wink Sink No. 1 collapse?
The sinkhole first collapsed on June 3, 1980. Its sudden formation created a large crater in the West Texas landscape.
What caused Wink Sink No. 1?
The crater formed when underground dissolution removed support from the Salado salt formation. The area's historical oil and gas activity is closely linked to the geological conditions surrounding the sinkhole.
Is Wink Sink No. 1 safe to visit?
It is a geological hazard site rather than a developed tourist attraction. Anyone approaching the crater should keep a safe distance and follow local land-access and safety rules.
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