close
A Quick Guide to Safely Crossing Running Water in the Outdoors

A Quick Guide to Safely Crossing Running Water in the Outdoors

April 14, 20161201Views

With snow melts and spring rains, many woodland hikes are bound to include an encounter with water in one form or another. Be it a trickling brook or broad stream, making your way from one side of the shore to another can sometimes be tricky, not to mention risky. Here are some tips for safely crossing running water.

One good way to determine if it’s safe to cross a body of water is to probe with a walking stick or long tree branch. This will give you an idea of the depth of the water and of any underwater obstructions. Another trick is to toss a small branch into the water to check how quickly the water is flowing, and if there are any odd currents. Watch the stick to see if it gets sucked down into any vacuums.

The surface of the water is affected by the air, but the layers beneath may actually be moving faster than it appears on the surface. This means that, while your feet may have purchase on the streambed or rocks, your knees may be hit by more pressure of the moving water.

hiking boots over river
Photo from Wes Hicks/Unsplash

Choosing your entrance and exit points is an important factor in safely crossing running water. If there is a high vantage point where you can get a good view of the river, climb up and take a look. Look for places where you can get out of the water in the event you are swept downstream. Also see if there are any animal tracks like deer or bear on the far side. This will show that large animals are able to cross safely, or that the water is calm enough for animals to use as a watering hold, a good sign for a safe crossing.

Choose a spot that will allow you to get out easily on the other side, somewhere at about a 45-degree angle downstream from where you enter the water. Unclip the waist and sternum straps of your pack, or carry it when crossing. This way, if you do fall or slip, the weight of your pack won’t drag you down. Leave your shoes on to protect your feet from sharp rocks. If you know you’ll be crossing water during your hike, consider packing an old pair of sneakers or some swim shoes to wear for fording. You can tie your hiking boots together and drape them over your neck or tie them to your pack to keep them dry. One last tip: Don’t use a rope to tie yourself to other hikers for crossings. If one person goes down, they can pull everyone else down with them.

Featured Image from Yasin Yusuf/Unsplash