Hazards
River crossings can be one of the most uncontrollable and hazardous situations during a backpacking trip. In fact, more backpackers die from river crossings than from snakebites. While the speed of the current and the depth of the river are two of the biggest factors affecting the potential danger of a river crossing, there are numerous other hazards that you should be aware of as well:
- Cold Water Can lead to hypothermia.
- Foot Entrapment A potential drowning situation in which a foot is caught on the river bottom and the individual is pushed over by the current's force; there is a chance that the force of the current may prevent the individual from being able to stand back up.
- Strainers Another potential drowning situation in which strainers, or submerged branches, hold the individual swept up against them.
- Undercut Banks and Rocks Yet another potential drowning situation, undercut banks and rocks are places where an individual can be trapped by the fast-moving water.
- Chutes Areas where the river narrows and the water speed increases; sometimes waves form in chutes.
Judgment Calls
Perhaps nothing is more discerning than reaching a fast moving river that looks dangerous to cross. Determining the risks associated with a river crossing require a careful examination of the potential hazards. You must base your decision based on a number of factors, including the availability of potential crossing sites and the strengths and abilities of the members in your group. Just because you have your heart set on a certain route does not mean you should risk crossing a hazardous river; the route will always be there when water levels go down. However, before crossing any river, ask yourself the following questions:
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Red Flags
The following conditions present potentially dangerous situations in which you should look for another location to cross or don't cross at all.
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Choosing a Spot to Cross
To find the safest spot to cross the river, take the time to hike up and down the river. Look for a shallow stretch of water that is free from obstructions, such as boulders and logs, with gradual banks to make getting in and out easier. Look for areas away from bends in the river as the water there is typically faster and deeper on the outside of the bend, the bank itself may be steep, and the outside of bends are often undercut by the current and prime locations for strainers. Also, try to find a place to cross where the stretch of water below the crossing point is long and shallow in case something goes wrong during the crossing itself.
Important River Crossing Considerations
- Know the route ahead of time and identify possible hazardous crossings. If difficult crossings are present, are there alternative routes or nearby bridges?
- How will weather impact your crossing? Is there a better time of day to cross?
- Keep your boots on (or change into footwear brought specifically for river crossings) as they will protect your feet and provide ankle support.
- Keep your pack on, but undo the hip belt and sternum strap so that you are able to abandon it quickly if needed.
- Feel the bottom carefully before you commit your weight to a foot; this will help you avoid potholes and ensure that you don't move too quickly. Continue to move only one foot at a time while the other foot remains firmly placed, and take small steps.
- Use a stick or a trekking pole, which is useful to test for dropoffs and rocks while providing extra stability.
- It may seem counter-intuitive, but face upstream - the force of the water could cause your legs to buckle if you face downstream.
- If you fall and are swept downstream, try to remove your pack and float on your back with your feet first and your toes on the surface of the water. This position not only prevents foot entrapment, but you will also be able to use your legs as shock absorbers and fend off obstacles in the river.
- If you choose to walk on logs or boulder hop, use extreme caution, as these areas are likely to be slippery.
- In a deep-river crossing, if possible, have one member of your group stand below the crossing point to serve as a safety backup.
Comments
Comments? Questions? Did we miss something? Can you explain something better? Advice to offer? All river crossing comments here!