[pct-l] risk reduction on swift water crossings

[Stephen Adams]

Yeah, I can just see myself trying to concentrate on foot placement and balance while attempting to manipulate a rock climbing devise designed for rappelling  and or belaying with my or another persons's full weight.  One must feed and pull slack with some of these things with both hands at the same time.   What's more, the rope tail will be dragging down stream and when wet it will become increasingly harder to pull slack upstream if it gets away from you.  If you've ever pulled 60 ft 3/8" wet line back on board a fast moving sailboat you know what I am talking about.  We even throw knotted line out in front and let the boat run over it to drag kelp off the keel, called flossing, and the load on the line dragging it back on board is surprising.  I think one crossing fast water needs absolute mental engagement with the task at hand, which is foot placement and balance.  One must sometimes do the best they can with a foot in an awkward position like jammed in a rock with weight on the toes and such and must concentrate on getting the other foot down solid.  Can you do this while trying to operate a belaying devise with a doubled tail of climbing rope dragging down stream trying to pull you off your precarious mossy rock in forty three degree water?  Might as well tie the rope around your neck.          
On Nov 24, 2009, at 5:51 PM, <herbstroh at charter.net> wrote:

> As others have commented, I would NOT be connected to a rope on a swift water crossing. If you slip you will not be able to pull yourself and pack upstream against the current while holding your breath underwater. It would be better to wash downstream, oust the pack and try and scramble to a rock or shore.
> 
> You can almost always find a better place to cross than where the trail hits the water. Even if that is a mile up or down stream. Better to take the time and find something less risky.
> 
> Whether to unhook the lap belt is an "it depends" decision to me. If the crossing is on a log or involves a hop, an unhooked belt could lead to the pack shifting and throwing me off balance. If balance is critical, I normally leave it buckled. But if its a wet foot crossing and sudden moves are less likely, then I unbuckle.
> 
> If one does fall, getting out of the pack is the first thing you must do. It will immediately fill with water and become a 100 pound anchor. 
> 
> Herb
> 
> 
> ---- David Plotnikoff <david at emeraldlake.com> wrote: 
>> Hello from a longtime list-lurker.
>> 
>> Folks, I hesitate to broach this subject because I haven't had cause 
>> to use the technique myself, but .... in theory at least, it's 
>> possible to safely self-belay across fast water by carrying a short 
>> (>20m) stretch of climbing rope, plus a belay device and a locking 
>> biner. Run the rope around a stout tree on the bank you're starting 
>> from, double through the ATC, which is attached by the locker to your 
>> pack's hip belt, and have at it, facing upstream and crab-walking 
>> sideways. One hand on a hiking pole, the other on your self-belay 
>> brake hand. Safe on the other side, unclip the ATC and pull the 
>> doubled rope across after you.
>> 
>> Sounds clear in theory. Like I said ... being the fair-season PCT 
>> type, I haven't had to do it myself. But it's something to think 
>> about for those of you who are intent on leaving KM early. Does it 
>> sound like a lot of extra weight to carry? Weigh ALL the variables 
>> carefully. If you're far ahead of the pack and the melt, you're on 
>> your own. Waiting for another hiker or two to facilitate a safer 
>> crossing will probably not be practical. Going commando with no 
>> protection and nobody else around may well be suicidal at places such 
>> as Rock, Wallace or Bear creeks. So this might be a reasonable weight 
>> addition for aggressive early season folks to consider. Be sure to 
>> practice the mechanics BEFORE your trip ...
>> 
>> Best,
>> 
>> DP
>> 
>> www.emeraldlake.com/pctguide/
>> _______________________________________________
>> Pct-l mailing list
>> Pct-l at backcountry.net
>> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
> _______________________________________________
> Pct-l mailing list
> Pct-l at backcountry.net
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l