There are several river crossing safety tips for hikers that can make the difference between an enjoyable trip and an emergency rescue. There is a much smaller margin for error when crossing a river than with navigating most other wilderness obstacles.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
RIVER GEOGRAPHY
The first thing to keep in mind is that crossing a river is often the most dangerous path you can tank, particularly in cold weather. If you are forced to make a wet crossing (where you enter the water, as opposed to crossing over the water), then scout the water carefully.
Remember, streams are typically narrower towards its headwaters (upstream). However, the water might also be moving faster further upstream. Still, the narrower the water course, the higher the chance of passing over the stream without getting too wet. The problem with entering the water is that, in many instances, you can't clearly see your path and many underwater pitfalls may await you.
If you are forced to cross towards the mouth of the river, remember that underwater currents are strongest here. You will want to plan on drifting downstream during your crossing. So, don't start your crossing directly across from where you plan to exit the stream. You will want to start a bit upstream, with the distance determined by how fast you read the currents to be.
Wherever you cross, keep the following river features in mind. First, current is fastest on the outside of riverbanks. High stream banks will be difficult to climb, and may even be undercut by water currents creating a potential trap. Where the bank is steep or appears undercut, be particularly aware of underwater traps such as submerged trees, which can catch loose clothing or backpack straps.
READING THE WATER
Once you have made the decision on where to cross, study the water. You can learn several things about your potential path and what is underwater by studying the water's movement.
Watch logs, branches, or other flotsam to get a feel for the speed and direction of the currents. If you don't see any floating debris, make your own by tossing in a couple good sized branches upstream of where you plan on crossing.
The main flow of the current will be evident by a "V" shaped flow of the water as it passes a rock or other obstacle. In this case, the point of the "V" will be where the water passes over or around the rock or obstacle and the opening of the "V" will be facing downstream. With bigger obstacles, the water on the downstream side will appear calmer than the main current. Don't be fooled by eddies. The larger the obstacle that creates them, the more "unstable" the water will be, with the surface current more calm and appearing to flow upstream, but with the underwater current being more fierce and pulling downstream.
Waves that appear to stay in one place are sure signs of a large underwater obstacle such as a boulder. Here, the water is being pushed up and over the obstacle, thus forming the "wave".
Study the rocks that are only partially submerged. If there is any vegetation growing on them, you can be pretty sure that the submerged rocks you will be crossing over will also be covered and slippery. Also note the size, if the rocks you are seeing are large, be aware that the pockets next them will also be large. Those pockets are a great way to turn an ankle or trap a foot.
Look for areas of relatively small, wide successive ripples in the water. These are signs of relatively shallow water that can make crossing easier. Ideally, you want to put together a crossing that connects these "riffles" and the broadest parts of the "V"s you can.
PREPARING FOR THE CROSSING
If you don't already have a hiking staff, stick, or trekking poles, cut a length of pole at least as tall as you are. You can use this for balance and to test the river bed for holes and stability. You will also want to unbuckle the belt of your backpack so that you can dump it in case you fall in. Your backpack likely will float, but once it gets soaked, it will only become an anchor for you, if it remains attached.
When entering the water, turn at an angle so that you cut into the flow of the stream and the full force of the water has a smaller area to push against. Shuffle your feet, testing each step before fully committing. Use your stick or pole to test for depth ahead of you.
Be aware of floating debris. When you studied the currents to find a safe place to cross, you probably made note of how much and what types of debris were heading downstream. Keep this in mind now so you can be prepared to avoid it as you are crossing.
River crossings are some of the trickiest and most dangerous aspects of wilderness navigation. Keep these tips in mind, even with smaller streams, as they can make a big difference in the success and enjoyment of your hike. Happy trails.