Nowadays, it’s common to see posts about the Wolf Tower route, which also involves river crossings. I wonder if those who organize these trips or sign up for them actually know how to cross rivers safely.
There are far too many details to cover in a single post about river crossings, so the main goal here is simply to remind everyone: do your homework thoroughly beforehand!
Pay attention to some of the following points, because common sense might actually lead you to make the wrong moves.
1. When something goes wrong during a river crossing, you’ll likely have to save yourself. For example, if you’re crossing as a roped group and one person loses their footing, the entire group can be instantly swept away. Don’t assume a stronger member will be able to hold you up — the force of the water is just too great, and they’ll probably only be able to save themselves. So weaker members mustn’t rely on others; you must be certain you can cross on your own.
2. Water can take a life almost instantly. People trapped underwater can die within one or two minutes. Drifting in icy river water leads to hypothermia within minutes. Once hypothermia sets in, self-rescue becomes impossible, and death is not far behind.
3. Don’t assume that knowing how to swim means you can cross a river. The force of the current can pin you under tree trunks, branches, or between boulders (undercut areas beneath riverbanks where the water carves out spaces that can trap you are common), leaving you completely immobile. Within a minute or two, it could all be over.
4. Take note of two things: if the water depth reaches the thigh level of the shortest person in your group, or if the current speed exceeds 5 km/h (drop a stick in the river and see if you can keep up with it while walking along the shore), then it’s a red flag — you must take protective measures before attempting to cross.
5. When using ropes, never tie the rope around your body — only hold it firmly with your hands. If you slip and can’t regain your footing quickly and start to choke on water, you must let go immediately. Floating downstream may give you a chance to survive. Being pinned in place by a rope in the water will likely lead to drowning.
6. Be prepared to abandon your backpack before crossing. Unfasten the waist belt and chest strap before stepping into the water (you might not be able to undo them in a panic after falling in). If you fall, separate yourself from your pack immediately — survival comes first. When using a rope (as mentioned earlier, don’t tie it around your body), you can secure the rope to your pack. After separating from your pack, your teammates can help retrieve it.
7. When crossing on rocks or logs, if you lose your balance and are about to fall in, aim to fall downstream to avoid getting pinned underwater and drowning.
8. First, observe the direction and flow of the river: it’s best to assess the overall situation from a high vantage point or from afar — it’s harder to observe the riverbank up close. Crossing a river is a major task, and it’s also extremely tiring and time-consuming. Never compromise safety for convenience or to save time.
In the image below, the areas with footprints are suitable for crossing, while the other numbered spots are dangerous zones that should be avoided. Can everyone explain why each numbered area is hazardous?
