[pct-l] Crossing river suggestions

[ned at mountaineducation.org]

Mountain Education will soon have a Forum or listserve of its own for 
discussions along any of the topics (high sierra mountain safety) that we 
teach. In the meantime, as Mango said, we do have a short list of articles 
for the aspiring thru that is worth reading.

The main point of caution about crossing high flowing creeks in the 
springtime high sierra is your safety.
First, avoid getting wet by scouting for a dry crossing sometimes long 
distances above and below the trail's crossing. Second, if you can't avoid 
getting wet, cross in the morning when the flow volume is lowest.
Third, select a crossing spot where you can see the bottom (usually a flat 
section of creek) you'll be walking on and it is as free of big, nasty 
boulders as possible.
Fourth, wear foot protection! You do not want to cut, hurt, or otherwise 
injure your feet. If you feel it happening, it may hurt enough to cause you 
to react and lose your balance right there mid-stream. Not good. Most 
injuries cause cuts which become infected later, so wear suitable footwear 
you have pre-established through prior experience crossing creeks that works 
for you.
Fifth, maintain your balance by crossing in a group or using your poles. (We 
will be getting to the point where our videos on this technique will be up 
on the site).
Sixth, go slow and make each foot placement count. Do not hurry even though 
your feet and legs go numb from the cold.
Seventh, put on dry socks on the other side and walk your shoes dry on your 
route out before you reach snowline again.

There is a lot to this, so practice before you really need the skill! Some 
of this year's thrus should chime in here with their own advice....


"Just remember, Be Careful out there!"

Ned Tibbits, Director
Mountain Education
South Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150
    P: 888-996-8333
    F: 530-541-1456
    C: 530-721-1551
    http://www.mountaineducation.org
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jim & Jane Moody" <moodyjj at comcast.net>
To: "patrick white" <patsy805 at hotmail.com>
Cc: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 1:03 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Crossing river suggestions


>
>
> Forget keeping your feet dry. Focus on safety, not short-term co mfort.
>
>
>
> Check Ned's suggestions for stream crossings, perhaps a forum topic on 
> Postholer.
>
>
> Mango
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
>
>
> From: "patrick white" <patsy805 at hotmail.com>
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Sent: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 3:51:08 PM
> Subject: [pct-l] Crossing river suggestions
>
> Did most people find a pick axe and snow shoe picks necessary, 
> understanding of course that every season is different. And the river 
> crossing to avoid soggy foot any suggestions
> Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
>
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