A Sedona consulting economic geologist thinks it’s only a matter of time before the perimeter of the sinkhole at Devil’s Kitchen grows due to another collapse.

Paul Lindberg has studied this sinkhole for more than three decades and his latest work was published on the front page of the Arizona Geology Survey Web site.

At the location Wednesday, Jan. 6, Lindberg pointed out the numerous cracks he believes someday will give way and collapse into the sinkhole.

One such crack has grown from 2 to 11 inches and appears ready to give way at any time.

“We just don’t know when,” Lindberg said of the jagged rocks collapsing into the hole on Soldier Pass Trail northwest of Sedona.

Devil’s Kitchen first collapsed in the 1880s. The ground further collapsed in 1989, and the northern wall came down in 1995.

“Everything you are standing on will someday be [gone],” Lindberg said. “This is going to collapse.”

He said caves underneath the water table of the sinkhole are present and groundwater is seeping into the surrounding rocks and ground.

Lindberg, who has studied the sinkhole since the 1970s, said it is not a matter of if, but when there will be another collapse. He added it will come with almost no warning so anyone around at the time could be affected or hurt by the collapse.

However, the geologist does not recommend or want the sinkhole to be fenced off. The sinkhole is a popular destination for hikers walking this trail.

He added the sinkhole will probably not get much deeper, but it likely will widen all the way out to the trail.

Lindberg became involved with the sinkhole after the U.S. Forest Service became concerned with Jeeps driving on the road up to the location. The Forest Service wanted a geological study and asked Lindberg to do the work.

What he determined was a little surprising because the curving fractures around the hole indicated another collapse was in the process of occurring. He said these fractures extend all the way out to the trail.

He said certain edges of the Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole are at a greater risk of collapse, while others are deemed less likely to collapse, He emphasized no degree of certainty exists at the site.

In his article, Lindberg wrote the area requires regular inspection and posted safety precautions should be strictly followed.

He said visitors should approach the edge of the sinkhole prudently, and geologists need to examine the sinkhole and environment frequently for evidence of new fractures indicating imminent collapse.

Devil’s Kitchen is just one of seven sinkholes in the Sedona area, according to Lindberg.

Mike Conway of the Arizona Geological Survey called Lindberg’s work and article extremely important.

He mentioned there are thoughts about paring the article down, so the general public can better understand the importance behind this sinkhole as well as safety tips for the area.

Michael Maresh can be reached at 282-7795, ext. 125, or e-mail mmaresh@larsonnewspapers.com