The Hillwalker's Manual - practical skills for the hills

• Description
• Contents
• Introduction
• Sample Route
• Updates
• Reviews

Crossing Rivers and Streams

---

In most countries, but especially in Britain, hills mean rainfall and hence the presence of streams and rivers. Inevitably you will meet and wish to cross running water. From the smallest stream where the aim should be only to keep the feet dry, to the sizeable river where crossing can be a serious proposition, the correct technique must be used.

The power of water
Never underestimate this. Any depth of more than 1ft  (300mm) can cause severe problems. A mountain stream does not have to be deep to be treacher­ous. Supercritical flow, a common occurrence in even quite shallow hill streams, is formidably powerful. When the river forms a pool or winds its way along the bottom of a valley it may appear sedate, but the saying ‘still waters run deep’ is often correct. Remember that mountain streams during periods of rain, distant storm in far hills or snow melt, rapidly be­come swollen torrents. That little stream you crossed a few hours ago can become uncrossable in these circum­stances. Conversely they also fall quickly, and waiting for the right conditions can be preferable to forcing a crossing

Firstly it must be made absolutely clear that a dry crossing is by far the most desirable. If a suitable bridge can be found then use it, even if this means making a considerable detour. If you use stepping stones or try boulder-hopping always consider what the result of a fall will be, and weigh any benefits against the risk of consequences of falling in. Even wet feet and boots can present serious problems in remote areas and sub-zero temperatures. If there is any chance of being swept downstream then forget this type of crossing.

Alternatively it may be possible to jump across the stream where it narrows, but again weigh up the likely consequences of not making it across. Remember, especially if wearing a rucksack, that you are not on the playing field in shorts and vest and judge your capability accordingly. You must also remember, if in a party, that it’s a case of all across or none.

Remember too, when contemplating this type of jump crossing or using stepping stones, that in cold temperatures the river may be flowing freely with no signs of ice, but the rocks that have been splashed may be clad in clear, almost invisible, verglas. If this is the case your boot will slip off immediately with obvious (and potentially painful) consequences.

As a last resort you may consider that a wet crossing is the correct decision. If so you must carefully assess two things: the depth of the water and the strength of the current. A stick comes into its own here, but if you cannot actually see the bottom then a wet crossing is to be avoided. Discolouration of the water or the rattling sound of stones being carried along indicate flood conditions and too strong a current – don’t cross.

If you do decide to go ahead, follow this procedure:

• Pick an area where the stream bed is favourable; gravel or shingle should be chosen rather than slippery rocks
• Take your socks off but put your boots back on – this is essential to maintain balance
• Roll up clothing and reduce the drag as much as possible – clothing acts to the current as a sail to the wind, and this force alone can pull you into the water
• If waterproof overtrousers are left on then tie them at the ankle to keep them as streamlined as possible
• During a crossing a stick used as a third leg, both to feel the bottom and to assist balance, is extremely useful

The safest way for a group to cross is in a line, with arms linked, and with each member using a stick. Note that the line should be down the flow not across it. This is the most stable formation and means the person upstream will take the full force of the current but will provide a breakwater effect for those below. Those below are then in a stronger position to anchor themselves and support the upstream member. If all were strung out transversely across the stream then each would be subjected to the full strength of the current and the whole unit would be considerably weaker as a result.

If the worst happens and you are swept away:

• Relax; take air when possible but try to keep the water out of your mouth
• Remove the rucksack immediately. This is vital, and once off you will find that it floats and may provide an aid to buoyancy
• Go with the flow (as in scree running) – don’t fight against it. Swim down with it but all the time aim to cross over to the nearest or most hospitable bank
• Avoid trees and branches that overhang (or are situated slightly below) the river’s surface and could either knock you out or trap you as the current forces you underneath them
• Avoid jammed logs or other flood debris whenever possible.

Once a wet crossing has been made it is important not to get cold and possibly develop hypothermia (see Chapter 5, p. 122). Either change into dry clothes, and preferably have a hot drink, or keep moving.