Highlights safety measures for crossing streams. Ideas for using equipment for support.
The mountains are very beautiful and serene but can also be a very dangerous place.The landscape offers much to absorb but so not allow the beauty and the natural environment lull you into feeling totally safe. The fact that your wilderness areas and National parks are monitored by Rangers and others does not mean that you should relax and not be on your toes.Many people fail to realize that these areas, even though protected are still wilderness areas that include wild animals,killer storms and also unstable waterways.
A remarkable number of drownings have occured in the back country and even the most experienced hiker and backpacker is not immune.Safety is a key issue and knowing first hand what to do and how to cross a stream will give you the edge on saving a life;possibly yours.
Never under estimate the force of the water.Sure, it may look calm and serene and you may even be able to see the bottom of the stream in spots but remember the undercurrent. Undercurreent is just that,a current that moves swiftly under the surface of the water.Undercurrent can take a sweep you downstream in minutes and also take you underwater and hold you there.Water that moves at five to seven miles per hour, or seven feet per second carries over a hundred pounds of pressure per square foot.This means that once an undercurrent takes hold the pressure of the water holds you there and literally crushes you.
To bring up the obvious and say use a bridge if available may seem unnessary but many will avoid a natural or man made bridge for the experience of crossing the water itself.That bridge is there for a reason, please do not avoid it but stick to your safety knowledge and forst test the bridge for stability, then cross once you have determined it is safe.
If you do have occasion to cross through water always cross upstream and try to cross in the morning when the water is much calmer.This theory works provided the waterway your crossing is not at or close to flooding stage and there have been no recent large rains in the area.
Usually people will carry extra footwear for crossing,like an old pair of boots or tennis shoes.Many use surf shoes that are designed for water wear purposes.Do not try to cross barefoot because of sharpe unvisible items that may be lurking underneath.It is best to cross in boots with no socks.Always be sure to unhook your pack while crossing because if you were to fall and not be able to get out of your pack, the weight of that pack will carry you under.
Some people belive that the safest way to cross a stream that is deep or swift is to use ropes .
This is a dangerous practice,period.If someone should happen to stumble and go under there is no way to pull the victim to safety as they are being pulled upstream.If the victim is lucky the current will push them upward but that is not something you can depend on.More likely the rope will snag on a rock and then there is only one direction to go and that is down and of course under.Some will also argue that to have to spotters on each side of the rope is better,but again I caution not to do this.
This method is even more dangerous because if the person crossing stumbles then the current can cause the rope to become V shaped and each side will keep the victim from being pulled ashore.Neither spotter will have the strength against the current to pull against it and again the victim goes down.
Never use ropes to cross any stream.
When crossing, the best way to accomplish your task is to cross at the narrowest points of the stream.Try not to just plundge in, but keep as dry as possible.Again with this method you may want to cross at a narrow point where the current is not showing signs of being strong at all.If at all possible find the shallow point of the stream and if you are lucky to find all these points together then your on your way.Avoid crossing very rocky areas.Rocks have become very mossy and this can lead to your slipping and going under but also badly injuring yourself.
Also choose to cross in an area where the bank on the other side is not to steep or high. Climbing up these slopes can endanger your life.The possibility of falling backwards is high with the extra weight of your pack and also these banks are usually slippery and unstable.Be sure to scour both sides of the stream and focus on all aspects of crossing before attempting to cross.
While in any wilderness area be sure to keep in mind your safety plan and utilize it to insure the safety of yourself and others in your party.
