Geologic Hazard

Two Large Sinkholes Near Wink Are Still Growing

Two giant sinkholes — Wink Sink 1 and Wink Sink 2 — formed near Wink in 1980 and 2002, and researchers say the ground around them is still sinking.

Winkler County Home & Property

Wink Sink 1 opened suddenly on June 3, 1980. Within days it was about 360 feet wide and 110 feet deep. Wink Sink 2 formed about a mile away on May 21, 2002, and has since grown to roughly 600–800 feet across. Both sinkholes formed when underground salt beds dissolved — a process made worse by an old oil well that let water reach the salt.

The Bureau of Economic Geology at UT Austin has monitored the area for decades using satellites, GPS, and ground surveys. Researchers have found ongoing ground subsidence in a wider zone around both sinks. This matters for anyone buying land, building, or insuring property near Wink. Ask about site-specific geology before you build. The BEG research page has the latest findings.

Source to confirm: Bureau of Economic Geology — Wink Sink Research Program

More Winkler County notes

Property Tax

Two Offices Handle Your Property Taxes in Winkler County

The appraisal district sets your property value; the tax office collects the bill — and they are two different offices in Kermit.

Read note ->

Mineral Rights

Surface and Mineral Rights Are Often Owned Separately Here

In Winkler County's oil country, the person who owns the land surface may not own the oil and gas underneath it — and Texas law gives mineral owners the upper hand.

Read note ->

Water Wells

Winkler County Has No Groundwater Conservation District

Unlike many Texas counties, Winkler County is not inside a groundwater conservation district, so there is no local agency overseeing well permits or pumping limits.

Read note ->

Hunting & Fishing

You Need a Texas Hunting License on Private Land Here Too

You need a Texas hunting license to hunt any animal in the state — even on private land you own — and you must buy it before you go out.

Read note ->