Crossing Rivers while Tramping
Rivers provide natural approach routes to the mountains, with routes often following riverbanks and gorges. On some popular tracks, there are swing bridges or cableways, but in New Zealand it is often necessary to ford sizeable rivers. This requires skill and judgment. Here are some tips that will help you to cross rivers:
Before crossing
1. Decide whether or not you should cross – assess the river’s depth, color, speed, catchment area and runout; look for alternatives such as a bridge upstream; consider escape routes along your route; or wait for the river levels to drop. Choose a suitable and safe location. Never risk
crossing a flooded river. If in doubt, do not cross.
2. Prepare yourself for crossing:
a. Pack chest straps should be undone.
b. Place any foam bedrolls on top of the pack.
c. Slightly loosen shoulder straps.
d. Use pack liners to ensure that gear in your packs is waterproofed.
e. Remove leggings to reduce drag; leave your boots on.
f. Have a dry run of your crossing method. Inexperienced or weaker members should be in the middle of the group.
During crossing
1. If crossing alone, make sure you use a pole to support yourself while crossing.
2. If in a group, use the mutual support method. Do not break up the formation until everyone in the crossing group is safely on the bank. Make sure you communicate with all members of the party.
3. Carefully pace your movement, do not hurry. It’s better to be delayed but alive.
4. Stay in line with the current.
5. Stay away from boulders.
After crossing
1. Check everyone for coldness, and change into warm or dry clothing. Hypothermia can start after crossing.
2. Have a snack or warm drink.
3. Check with the others if they are OK to continue with the tramp.
In my next post on this subject I will describe the mutual support method for crossing rivers, and also some warning signs that indicate that crossing is not a good idea.
Related posts:
January 18th, 2009 at 8:27 pm
Hi Greg.
I often feel very edgy around rivers, usually moreso than people I’m with. (I think this is a good thing.) I posted some thoughts about crossing rivers a few months ago.
One note to add is that pack liners don’t just keep your stuff dry. They’ll also let you float on your pack if you find yourself above your depth. I guess for this reason, it’s also a handy thing just to double-check that everything’s tied down or put away properly. Recently I lost my compass during an unexpected pack floating incident. It had just drifted out of my pocket at some point as I was flailing my legs trying to get back to the bank. I still had a soppy drenched hankerchief, which I’d have also packed away properly if I’d been thinking about my pockets beforehand.
January 19th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Hi Mike,
Thank you for your comment. I will sure use your advice in the future. And, by the way, you wrote much more extensive post on the river crossing subject than I did! I recommend everyone to read it.