Stream Crossing Safety - Hiking and Backpacking

Stream Crossings

In high-use areas, you are likely to find a nice little bridge to help you cross a stream, but the farther you advance into the backcountry, the more likely it is you’re going to have to cross a stream using your own initiative. I’ve crossed streams on logs and stepping stones, in ankle-deep and waist-deep water, and all very safely. I’ve also crossed streams during and just after rainstorms when they become very dangerous.

Following an amazing thunderstorm and torrential downpour, we came upon a stream in the throes of a flash flood. The stream was neither very wide (about six feet) nor very deep (thigh deep on a man, waist deep on me), but it was moving very rapidly and carrying all sorts of debris in its wake.

Although there was a log, which under normal circumstances might have made a nice bridge, it was too slick at this point to cross over standing up. We walked up and down the stream looking for another option. There was none. The place we had intended to camp was under several inches of water and we had just passed a tree that had been struck and knocked over by lightning. We were soaked and our only thought was to get to higher ground and a road.

We tried crossing the log sitting down but the current tried to pull our dangling legs beneath the log. Our only option was to cross the stream using the downed tree as a brace. Frank made it across successfully, and I was within arm’s reach of Frank when I lost my footing and my right leg was pulled painfully beneath the log.

TIP

With Frank grasping my arm, I was off balance and unable to regain my footing. I was slowly slipping beneath the log. He finally, reluctantly, let go. Using both arms to hold onto the tree, I was able to pull my leg loose, and Frank quickly pulled me out of the water.

All of this happened within seconds. I neither had the time to remove my pack nor harness myself with rope, which I should have done earlier in this very dangerous situation. I was lucky. Many are not. Accidents at streams kill numerous hikers each year.

If there is neither a dry log nor stepping stones, you must think carefully before crossing any stream. Take a good look at it. How fast is the current? How deep is it? If it is deeper than about 18 inches, be especially careful. I’ve been knocked off my feet in knee-deep water. Using a rope will not prevent you from falling but it may help you in the rescue if you do fall. Never tie a rope to your body as this could create an even more dangerous situation. Keep these factors in mind when looking for a place to cross:

• The narrowest point in a stream may be the most tempting but is probably the most dangerous point to cross because the current is more powerful there. The widest part is probably the safest. At any rate, going for the slow and deep is usually safer than shallow and fast.


• Always release your hip belt before crossing a stream in case you are knocked off your feet. This way you can easily rid yourself of the pack if you are washed downstream. This could save you from drowning, and it is better to lose your pack than your life.


• If you are trying to cross a snow-fed river near the end of the day, consider waiting until morning. Pitch camp and spend the night there. The stream’s flow will be reduced during the cool evening, and it will be easier to cross the stream before things heat up during the day.


• Long pants have more drag on you than shorts. Cross in shorts or even nude or in underwear. Once across, you can warm up by redonning your clothes.


• Some crossings are safe enough to do barefoot, but why take chances? Wear your boots or camp shoes, if you have them. A number of companies make water socks— scrunchable shoes with a rough sole made for gripping rocks and stream beds.


• When crossing rapids, face upstream and move sideways like a crab. Using a hiking stick or pole will help you maintain your balance.