Ready for a Winter River Crossing or Two?

“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” ~ John Muir

Preparation is the Key

Winter is a great time to hike, but proper planning and preparation become even more important if there are stream and river crossings along your route. Crossing rivers and streams is a common challenge for backpackers, especially when hiking on trails that traverse mountainous or wilderness areas. While crossing water may seem daunting, with the right technique and preparation, it can be done safely.

Here’s a recommended guide on how to cross a river or stream safely while backpacking. This is only a recommendation, you may have different experiences and skills, trust yourself.

1. Assess the Water Conditions.  Before attempting to cross any river or stream, it’s essential to assess the water conditions to ensure that it’s safe to cross.

• Check with the Johnson Shut-Ins Park Rangers for current river conditions along your route prior to entering the wilderness. There are also Black River condition flags flying as you enter the park with an explanation of each. Make a backup plan in case the water is too high, or too swift to cross.
• Current Speed: Check the strength of the current. If the water is flowing rapidly, it can be much more dangerous to cross. If the water is too fast or deep, it may be best to wait for the water level to decrease or find another crossing.
• Water Depth: Use a stick or trekking pole to test the water depth. Aim to cross at the shallowest point where you can stand safely without risking being swept away by the current.
• Water Clarity: Clear water allows you to see the bottom and assess any obstacles like rocks, logs, or drop-offs. Muddy or fast-moving water makes it harder to assess the terrain, which increases the risk of slipping or tripping.

2. Choose a Safe Crossing Spot.  The spots chosen for crossing during the Frozen Chosin Challenge run along the Ozark Trail and are well established crossing points for hikers. Ideal spots should be shallow, relatively calm and free of obstacles like boulders or sudden drops.

• Shallowest Area: Try to cross where the water is the shallowest, typically toward the edges of the river or stream.
• Wide River Crossing: In rivers with multiple channels, the narrowest and most concentrated flow usually presents the safest crossing.
• Avoid Steep or Rocky Sections: Steep or rocky areas can increase your risk of slipping or losing balance. If the crossing looks too treacherous, it might be best to look for an easier spot or wait for safer conditions.

3. Prepare Your Gear.  Before crossing, make sure your gear is properly prepared to prevent loss or damage during the crossing.

• Prepare Your Footwear: Have footwear (sandals with closed toes, water shoes, old sneakers and perhaps neoprene socks for warmth) to change into for those crossings to protect your feet and keep your boots dry. Fording barefoot risks slipping or injuring your feet on the rocky riverbed; it’s also harder to maintain your balance walking barefoot on slick rocks. Make sure you place your hiking boots into a watertight bag to keep them dry for the crossing.
• Pack shorts to change into for the crossing. Long pants increase drag and won’t keep you warm when wet.
• Pack wool socks. They will keep your feet warm even if wet.
• Remove Unnecessary Items: At a minimum undo your hip belt and sternum strap. Take off anything that could get in the way or weigh you down, such as your backpack (if it’s safe to do so) or jacket.
• Use a Dry Bag or Pack Cover: If you absolutely need to keep your pack with you, make sure it’s securely closed in a waterproof dry bag or pack liner. You can also use a pack rain cover to protect your gear from getting wet.
• Secure Valuable Items: Store valuable items like your phone, camera, or wallet in waterproof cases or in dry sacks that you can hold or keep high while crossing.
• Learn the signs of hypothermia – shivering, loss of manual dexterity and coordination, slurred speech, mental impairment – and know how to treat its victims by rewarming their core body temperature.

4. Crossing Techniques.  When you’re ready to cross, use the following techniques for safety and stability:

• Face Upstream: When crossing, always face upstream so you can better anticipate the current. This also allows you to brace against the flow, rather than having the water hit you from behind.
• Use Trekking Poles or Walking Stick: Use trekking poles or walking stick for stability as you cross. Place the poles or stick firmly into the riverbed to help maintain your balance and support your weight against the current.
• Walk Slowly and Steadily: Take your time and move slowly. Sudden movements can cause you to lose balance. Keep your legs apart for stability and keep your body low to the surface to reduce the risk of being swept away.
• Keep Your Feet Grounded: If the current is strong, feel the bottom with your feet first, looking for a solid foothold. Never rely on just your poles—use your feet to check for stability as well.
• Don’t stare at the nearby river surface while crossing: That’s a good way to get disoriented or even induce vertigo. Look well upstream or at the opposite shore; you’ll likely be glancing between those two points regularly to gauge your progress anyhow.

5. Use the Buddy System.  If possible, cross with a team member. The buddy system can provide extra support and stability when crossing a river or stream.

• Link Arms or Hold Poles Together: If you’re hiking with someone, you can link arms or hold trekking poles together to create a more stable crossing.
• Help Each Other Across: Support each other by taking turns crossing first and offering assistance if needed. Two people crossing together can help balance the load and make the crossing safer.

6. Crossing with a Rope.  There will be a rope strung across the Black River at mile 13.5 along the Ozark Trail where the Frozen Chosin Challenge crosses the river. You do not have to use the rope but it’s there for safety and as a guide across. The width of the river here is approximately 50 feet with a varying depth from inches to 3 feet but deeper is possible. Watch for holes and swift running areas as you cross.

• Use the Rope for Safety: The rope will be tied securely to trees on both sides of the river and can help guide you and provide a safety line.
• Communicate with Your Team: If you’re using the rope, ensure everyone understands you’re going to use it. One team member can cross first while the other holds the rope firmly to steady any swinging and ensuring safety on both ends.

7. Avoid Crossing During Bad Weather.  It’s important to always check the weather conditions before deciding to cross a river or stream.

• Avoid Crossing During Rain: If it’s raining heavily, rivers and streams can rise rapidly, making them dangerous to cross. Wait for the storm to pass and for the water levels to decrease.
• Check for Flash Floods: Flash floods can cause rivers to swell in a short amount of time, so be aware of potential flood risks, especially in areas where heavy rain has been reported.

8. If You Can’t Cross, Find an Alternative.  If the river or stream is too dangerous to cross, don’t risk your safety. Find an alternative route, such as a bridge or a safer crossing point.

9. Summary of Recommended Actions to Safely Cross a River or Stream While Backpacking:

• Assess water conditions: Check the current, depth, and clarity before crossing.
• Choose the safest crossing spot: Look for shallow areas with no obstacles or strong currents.
• Prepare your gear: Use dry bags, waterproof covers, and secure your valuables.
• Undo your hip belt and sternum strap. Take off anything that could get in the way or weigh you down
• Use trekking poles/walking sticks: For balance and stability, use poles/stick to brace against the current.
• Move slowly and steadily: Take your time and feel the bottom for stability with your feet.
• Cross with a team member: The buddy system helps with stability and safety.
• Use the rope: A rope can provide extra security.
• Avoid crossing during bad weather: Don’t risk crossing in rainy conditions or during a storm.

10. After the Crossing: Post-Stream Care.  Once you’ve successfully crossed the stream, don’t rush off immediately. Take these steps to ensure your comfort and safety for the rest of your hike:

• Find a safe spot to sit and remove your shoes and socks
• Wring out your socks and empty your shoes of any water
• Dry your feet thoroughly to prevent blisters
• Change into dry socks if you have them
• Check your gear for any water damage
• Know the signs of hypothermia – shivering, loss of manual dexterity and coordination, slurred speech, mental impairment – and know how to treat its victims by rewarming their core body temperature.

Taking these few extra minutes can make a big difference in your comfort level for the rest of your hike.

11. Conclusion

Again, there will be a Safety Station at each river crossing and at 4 other locations along the course. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance before crossing the river or at any of the Safety Stations along your route. Crossing rivers is one of the most technical parts of hiking, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right approach, awareness, and preparation you’ll be able to navigate streams and rivers safely. Each crossing is different; treat it with the respect it deserves.