The spring of 2017 was a high water year in the Sierra Nevada. This meant that many of the rivers and streams were running at higher than normal levels and backcountry hiking had an added element of danger. Fording (crossing) highwater rivers are more complex and dangerous. In the Sierra in 2023, the current average snowpack is also higher than it was in 2017 for the Northern Sierra/Trinity, Central, and Southern regions. And with spring storms that continue to add layers to our snow totals, the expected spring and early summer run-offs in the Sierra could be extreme on many days. Postholer, which measures PCT snowpack for through hikers, says that trail snow in the Sierra is 268 percent of the average for this date.
Still the backcountry is such a beautiful and wild experience in the spring and early summer seasons, many hikers and backpackers will be itching to get out with the warmer weather to explore. Many of us may experience crossing creeks and rivers this year in the Sierra Nevada. However, unbridged creek crossings are the most significant hazards in the early season. High water volume (due to snowmelt) and steep gradients (due to mountain topography) are dangerous in the Sierra.
If you are still determining if there are dangerous creeks or rivers in the region, your will be exploring. Check out this resource provided by Andrew Skurka, discovering dangerous High Sierra creeks
However, with careful planning and preparation, it is still possible to safely ford most rivers during a high water year. Here are some tips:
How To Safely Ford a River in the Sierra
- Do not assume the Trail leads you to the safest crossing point. Choose your crossing point carefully. Look for places where the river is narrower and has a slower flow. Avoid areas with large boulders or other obstacles that could create turbulence and increase the risk of being swept away.
- Generally speaking, look for a spot that is wide and shallow/braided, with feasible points to both enter and exit the water (avoid high banks). Avoid crossing at narrow points where the current will be strongest.
- If the crossing is difficult, investigate where the river is heading in case of a fall. Avoid crossing anywhere that the run-out leads to dangerous rapids or waterfalls.
- Riverbeds are uneven. Before crossing, assess the riverbed for potential snags and holes. If the water is surging, murky and full of large debris, either bide your time or look for an alternative crossing.
- Angle downstream as you cross, so you are fighting less current. Avoid crossing perpendicular to or against the flow.
- Crossing rivers further upstream near their Tributary creeks will often mean more crossings but must be less swift of water conditions.
- Search upstream and downstream for a downed tree that spans the creek. Beware of tricky tree crossings. Trying to balance beam across a thin, slick trunk several feet above raging rapids may be more dangerous than wading through the river.
- Make sure you have the proper equipment. Walking sticks or poles are really helpful. Most professional hikers recommend you keep your hiking boots on; this will give you maximum traction and the best fit, reducing any footing issues. Hiking sandals work well and are worth carrying if you have several streams to cross. (Tip: Take your socks off before crossing; this way, once complete, you can put on a warm, dry pair of socks to help the warming process.)
- Don’t go alone! It’s always best to cross with at least one other person in case of an accident.-Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Pay attention to the current and any changes in the water level or flow. If possible, avoid crossing during heavy rain or snowmelt periods when rivers are likely at their highest levels. Remember that morning crossings typically are best because the water flow will be lower from the late night temperatures compared to mid-day after more snowmelt has filled the creeks.
How to use Trekking Poles on River Crossings
Three Points of Contact: Two trekking poles are placed well out in front to provide three points of contact at all times. As the water pressure increases, lean in on your poles a bit to keep your pack weight over the hips and increase downward pressure on the legs. Extend the poles to 130-140 cm if adjustable. Be careful to still use the poles mainly for balance and weight distribution (but not for supporting your body weight). Find a stout pole if you do not have trekking poles. In swifter and deeper channels, a single stout pole that you can hold onto with both hands will usually be superior to lightweight poles.
The Tripod or Quadpod Method – An extra “leg” or two in the form of hiking poles or long, sturdy sticks, can be of great assistance in aiding balance and stability during a difficult river crossing.
- Enter the water facing upstream. Use your pole for stability. Grip it with both hands.
- Bend at the knees and lean slightly forward into the oncoming water. Your pole/stick is directly in front of you. Find your center of gravity; The goal is not to be pushed backward.
- In your tripod/bent-knee stance, slowly shuffle across the river. Make things easier by crossing at a slight angle heading downstream rather than straight across, as this will mean you are moving with the current rather than fighting against it.
- Test each foothold as you go. The stick/pole will act as a depth tester and stabilizer. Shuffle steadily, but never rush; this particularly holds true if you make your way over slippery rocks.
Group Crossings
If the Ford/ crossing is difficult and you are hiking in a group, there are multiple options available:
- Cross individually with others from the party, taking turns at positioning themselves downstream so that in case of a fall, they are better able to offer assistance in the form of a rope, hiking pole or long, sturdy stick. The strongest and/or most experienced party member should ideally go first to scope out the safest route.
- A group crossing using the Mutual Support Method with members holding on to one another’s shoulder straps or waist belts for support. The party enters the water in a line angling slightly downstream, with the strongest / heaviest member anchoring the group at the upstream end.
- Another group or team crossing method will place the strongest hiker in the upstream position and the other hiker (s) holding on in a downstream position allowing for the stronger hiker to break some of the current from other hikers.
- A nice video reference for fording a river can be found on YouTube; We like the Cleverhiker Videos his easy-to-understand tips are geared toward beginners.
What do I do with my Pack?
Most resources you will find discuss unbuckling your pack and loosening the straps, so in case you fall, you can release your pack and swim for shore without the pack dragging on you. However, there are arguments with today’s gear that your pack might not be as big a drag as older heavier gear, and there might be benefits to grabbing your pack and using it as a flotation device of sorts in desperate situations. Andrew Skurka from andrewskurka.com makes a great point about the negatives that could occur in losing your pack and any chance of emergency survival gear you may be carrying if your pack is indeed swept away and not recoverable. Sierra Run-off is typically cold water, and getting warm after a crossing, especially one where you have fallen in, will be a matter of life or death in some instances.
What if I fall into the Freezing water?
If you do fall, your first response is to get out. However, in some cases, you may need to ride the river a short distance to find a safe place to land and get out of the water. If this occurs, putting your feet in front of you, heading downstream and floating on your back (Your Pack pinned to your chest of possible) is the safest option.
Once to shore, try not to stand up and start moving immediately. You may need to help the blood warm slower if you have been in the water extended time. Instead, roll on the ground and start peeling off the wet clothes to begin the warming process. After a few minutes, you can then stand and start movements, Pushups, sit-ups, and jogging in place. You are also going to want to start a fire if possible. In many high sierra regions, fires are illegal; however, in a life-or-death situation, save your life. We can deal with the campfire cleanup later. Lighting your cooking stove can provide warmth for your feet and hands, and in extreme cases, you might want to get your tent out and set up the tent and sleeping bag to gain warmth and protection from the elements.
Other Gear Choices
If you know your route has river crossings, making wise decisions before your adventure into the Sierra will ensure a much more successful trip. These gear items should be considered for your pack.
Dry Bags: When it is known that one or more deep rivers must be crossed, consider obtaining a dry bag for your gear that needs to stay dry. Also, consider any camera equipment and double bagging and storing these properly. Dry Bags are a great place dry socks or pants if you choose to take the time to take off your pants before crossing.
Take an Oversized pack to allow extra room for air pockets. If you do fall in and have to float in the river, the air pockets in your pack, pinned to your chest will give you a little float device until you can reach the shore.
Put minimum emergency gear (e.g. knife, fire starting, whistle) in your pockets or on a cord around your neck in case you lose your pack in the crossing.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to safely ford a deep or swiftly moving stream in the Sierra is an important skill, especially for those who get off the main trails and those who travel the backcountry in all seasons. There is no substitute for practical knowledge and experience in the field. Consider starting small and working up to more troublesome fordings as confidence and skills build. Practice different techniques using your equipment to see what works and what needs refinement. Build your skill son assessing the rivers you are crossing.
The most important advice: be conservative in your risk assessment! There are no benefits to a fording that are worth having someone drown!
Resources:
https://andrewskurka.com/high-water-gear-skills-creek-fords-crossings/
https://andrewskurka.com/high-water-gear-skills-creek-fords-crossings/
https://andrewskurka.com/psa-hazardous-high-sierra-creeks-list-map-alternates/
https://thetrek.co/pacific-crest-trail/pct-snowpack-in-the-sierra-outpaces-historic-2017-season/