[pct-l] Re: Early season Streams Techniques and problem creeks

[wandering_bob at comcast.net (Bob Bankhead)]

Wise man say: "Never burn your bridges."

One NEVER jumps on a snow bridge unless one enjoys collapsing it under them.
This can really upset your partners behind (or in front of) you who now have
to pull you out AND find another way over (and maybe back). They might just
leave you down there to contemplate the wisdom of your actions. Worse yet,
you could be alone when you did it. Cross slowly  and step gently - don't
run or do anything to set up harmonic vibrations in the bridge.

Will it hold you? There's no way to tell but to try it. Rope up first -
either to your partner(s) or to a solid anchor -  unless you know for sure
what's under that bridge.

Wandering Bob


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robert Ellinwood" <rellinwood@worldnet.att.net>
To: "'Hiker'" <hiker@godlikebuthumble.com>; <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2004 11:25 AM
Subject: RE: [pct-l] Re: Early season Streams Techniques and problem creeks

I've always been leery (read: chicken) about snow bridges, preferring to
wade.   Anyone ever fallen through on one?  Are there specific
techniques for "judging" a snow bridge from those who have crossed a
number of them?  How do you know it will hold you?  I assume one jumps
over the center part??

 Bob (BobnShell)