[pct-l] snow navigation, creek crossings

[Ned Tibbits]

Navigation can be defined as: 

" the art and science of determining one's position so as to safely travel to a desired destination"

Following a snow-covered trail through a forest or over a jagged pass takes a little finesse, some common sense, and a lot of topographic awareness. The three most important things are 
    1. a thorough, three-dimensional mental expectation of where the trail goes 
            relative to where you are and where you have come from.
    2. knowing the skills necessary to get there over obstacles unexpected.
    3. being aware of when not to try.

It is very hard to say which is most important, for each is crucial to your safety and success. I would have to say that the first coupled with the third has treated us the best. Let's talk about #1:

In the mountains or in the forest you need more than a cursory understanding of where you are going in order to get there. Know beyond a shadow of a doubt what the route looks like before you get there. Study the topographic maps of the route in detail over and over. In your mind, see the ridges, the creeks, the variation of elevation changes, where the trees stop, the direction the ridge winds, its points, knobs, and cliffs, where the springs are, all the dirt roads that cross the trail and at what angles, the shape of the lakes and how the trail approaches and departs from them, etc., etc.. Literally get a mental picture in your head of what its going to look like, as if you've already been there and will recognize it when you arrive. 

Can I rely on the tracks ahead of me? Does that person know where he is going and is he going where I am? Do I dare risk the time and energy to follow only to have to back-track and start again? Can I orient a map to compass North and then identify the landmarks around me for certain? Can I orient a map relative to the landmarks I see? The trail follows the right fork of a creek in this canyon, but there have been many-which one am I at? When the trail is buried under snow and you haven't seen it in days, do you feel secure and confident of your location?

You can! Study the route, photographs, verbal descriptions, topo and forest service maps until you can see it in your mind. Practice on local trails. You'll know when the trail will turn, drop, or fork and which way to go then. Know how to follow a trail in a flat forest by watching for the blazes on trees, each is supposed to face the next within eyesight of each other. If caught in a white-out, which way do I go or do I just camp in place? (The later, unless you know where the cliffs and creeks are!) 

When you know where you are at all times, you'll know how you got to where you're going when you get there and will have enjoyed and appreciated it all the more-because you're paying attention to your environment. After all, that's why we choose to be in the wilderness, to attend to and enjoy it.

#2 - The kind of skills requisite for snow travel are these:
            The ability to recognize an avalanche-prone slope ahead of time and how
                to avoid it, while traveling and choosing a campsite.
            The ability to recognize a dangerous, icy slope or area in a climb or 
                descent and how to navigate safely around it or how to cross it with 
                an ice axe ready to self-arrest.
            How to walk on icy slopes and suncups without falling.
            How to identify submerged dangers like trees, tree branches, boulders,
                logs, creeks, and slippery, muddy slopes next to creeks when you're
                trying to get water. A sudden post-hole into one of these has the 
                potential of major bodily harm and/or end-of-trip.
            How to cross swollen creeks without falling or freezing.
            Safe ascents, descents, and visits to creeks.
            How to use an ice axe for self-arrest and anchoring and what to do with 
                traction devices for your feet.
            How to stay warm and dry even when sweating.
            How to protect yourself from snow-blindness, sun burn, frostbite,               
                exhaustion, dehydration, fatigue, and mental errors caused by 
                insufficient food.

#3 - Knowing when not to do something or go somewhere may save your life. 
Should I cross this creek at the trail's crossing or search for a safer location and way up or down stream? Should I traverse up to Forester Pass or go straight up? Do I step in or between suncups? Is Mather Pass in the drainage to the right or left? Can I control my stove well enough to cook in my tent this snowy night? The icy chute below Forester doesn't look as steep and dangerous as many said-I don't need my ice axe; I won't fall.... 

There will be situations in your hike where you will not know what to do. Stop. Evaluate. Think. Pray. Don't make a hasty choice. A log crossing upstream (or rock hop) is better than the swirling wade where the trail crosses, though unseen on arrival. Take your time. Search for Plan B.

Creek crossings have been covered in context above. Watch the "Still Walking" video, 2006, creek crossing demonstration and practice conducted at the first bridge above Kennedy Meadows campground.

Mountain Education will be presenting at Trail Fest the subject of "Safety and Rescue" along the PCT, some of the details of which you have read here. A safe journey is often a successful one and begins in the planning stage. Stop in and listen-it may cause you to re-think a few things!

Mtnned

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