Creek crossing safety

Crossing a stream or creek is often a part of a North Cascades approach hike, and it’s potentially one of the most dangerous parts of the climb. Here are a few tips (gleaned from several whitewater rescue courses) that can make this a bit safer.

Water depth rule of thumb: if the water is over your knees, you should take extra caution. Note that this rule does not apply equally to taller/shorter team members, and the speed of the water has a great affect on the potential hazard of the crossing.

Using poles (trekking poles or sturdy sticks), one in each hand, is the single best way to improve your balance in a crossing. Not enough poles for everyone? Toss them back once one person is across.

Cross in a three person triangle – Moving in unison across the creek as a group can add stability to everyone. Make a triangle, with the “point” being the largest person, who faces upstream. The point person has a pole in each hand. The other two members of the triangle have a pole in the outside hand and one hand on the shoulder or pack of the point person. The larger point person makes an eddy of sorts with the their legs, providing an area of slack water for the inside legs of the two back people. If the back people start to slip, they can grab the other members on their triangle and recover.

Remove your pack – if it’s really a challenging crossing, remove your pack. It might be worth the time to rig a rope across the creek and ferry everyone’s pack across on the line.

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Creek crossing safety