Safe River Crossings
By BMWF Staff
The rivers in The Bob are renowned, magical places -- and powerful forces of nature. The recent tragedy on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River is a heartbreaking reminder that river crossings can be the most dangerous thing we do on a trip in the Wilderness.
Rivers are still running high and very cold, making crossings more difficult. Above all, remember, you can ALWAYS turn around if you're not comfortable with a crossing! Do not underestimate the risk of crossing a fast moving river.
If you're planning a hike that will cross a river, please review safe stream crossing techniques before you head out. We've included some tips below, but there are tons of online resources to get more in depth. Google is your friend -- do more research. Here’s a good place to get started.
Safe River Crossing Tips:
- Before your hike, plan ahead and prepare. Look at maps and USGS streamflow levels. Have a Plan B in place for an alternative route in case you get to the creek and it feels unsafe. You won't feel as much pressure to cross if your Plan B is in place.
- Before you step foot in the water -- assess, assess, assess! Look upstream and downstream for hazards and consider what will happen if you're swept away. Always stay downstream of strainers. Scout for a safer spot to cross, and be very careful of crossing on logs.
- Do not cross barefoot. If you forgot your water shoes, keep your boots on. You're much more likely to slip or injure your foot barefoot, and your boots will dry.
- Unbuckle your waist and chest straps on your backpack before crossing. In case you fall, you want to be able to easily slip out of your backpack to get to shore.
- Take it slow, one step at a time. Make sure your footing is secure before taking another step.
- If crossing solo, have at least three points of contact. Use a trekking pole or a stick in front of you to form a triangle. Face upstream and cross sideways or at a shallow diagonal angle.
- Group crossings are best and can greatly reduce your risk in swift and/or deep water. Form a wedge to break up the current and support each other during the crossing.
- If you fall and are being taken downstream, drop your backpack, get on your back and point your feet downstream to protect yourself from hazards. Swim to shore as quickly as safely possible.
Have more tips for safe river crossings? Please share below!