River Crossings in Alaska: Safety & Technique
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River Crossings in Alaska: Safety & Technique
Alaska’s trails often involve crossing rivers, glacial runoffs, and creeks. Unlike lower 48 stream crossings, Alaskan waters are colder, faster, and often deeper, even during what might seem like a calm day. This guide provides practical advice for safe and effective river crossings, tailored for the unique challenges of Alaskan backcountry.
Understanding Alaskan Waters
The first step to safe crossing is understanding the dynamic nature of Alaskan rivers:
- Glacial Melt: Many rivers are fed by glaciers. These waters are extremely cold (often near freezing) and carry fine sediment, reducing visibility. Peak flow is typically late afternoon/evening after a day of solar warming, and during warm spells.
- Rainfall: Heavy or prolonged rain can rapidly swell rivers, making previously safe crossings impassable. Always check weather forecasts for your route and upstream areas.
- Snowmelt: Early season (May-June) crossings can be particularly challenging due to rapid snowmelt, leading to high, fast flows.
- Tidal Influence: Coastal rivers and estuaries can be affected by tides. A low-tide crossing might be impossible at high tide. Know your tide tables.
Pre-Crossing Assessment: Your First Line of Defense
Before even considering a crossing, perform a thorough assessment:
- Is it Necessary? Is there an alternative route? Can you wait until morning for lower flows? Is turning back the safest option?
- Flow Rate: Look for visual cues. If the water is moving fast enough to create standing waves or whitecaps, it’s likely too dangerous. If you can’t hold a stick against the current without it being pulled away quickly, reconsider.
- Depth: Use a trekking pole to probe the depth. If it’s above your knees for a solo crossing, or above mid-thigh in a group, it’s generally too deep. Remember, water depth can change rapidly across the riverbed.
- Width: Wider rivers often mean shallower, slower sections. Narrow, deep channels funnel water and increase velocity.
- Substrate: Can you see the bottom? Is it rocky, silty, or full of unstable gravel? Hidden obstacles are a major hazard.
- Downstream Hazards: Before entering, look downstream. Are there log jams, waterfalls, rapids, or other obstacles that could trap or injure you if swept away?
- Water Temperature: Alaskan waters are hypothermia risks. Even a short immersion can be dangerous.
Crossing Technique: Safety First
If you’ve assessed the crossing and deemed it safe, employ these techniques:
- Unclip Pack Straps: Loosen your hip belt and sternum strap. If you fall, you need to be able to shed your pack immediately to avoid being weighed down.
- Trekking Poles are Essential: Use two poles for stability. Plant them firmly upstream, creating a stable tripod with your body.
- Face Upstream: Always face upstream and slightly angled against the current. This allows you to see incoming debris and brace against the flow.
- Shuffle, Don’t Step: Shuffle your feet, maintaining three points of contact (two poles, one foot, or two feet, one pole) at all times. Avoid lifting your feet high, as this can lead to loss of balance.
- Wear Footwear: Never cross barefoot. Wear sturdy, lace-up hiking sandals or your hiking boots. Protect your feet from sharp rocks and cold. Change into dry socks/shoes on the other side.
- Group Crossings:
- Tripod Method: Three people link arms or hold onto each other’s pack straps, forming a triangle. The strongest person faces upstream at the apex, breaking the current. The others provide stability.
- Line Method: For wider crossings, a line of people can link arms, facing upstream. The strongest person is on the upstream end.
Maintain communication and move together slowly.
- Protect Valuables: All electronics, sleeping bags, and essential gear should be in waterproof dry bags, even inside your pack.
What to Do if Swept Away
Despite precautions, falls can happen. Knowing what to do can save your life:
- Ditch Your Pack: Immediately unclip your pack. It will become a deadly anchor.
- Assume the Whitewater Position: Lie on your back, feet downstream, head up. Use your arms to steer and your feet to fend off rocks and obstacles.
- Look for an Eddy: Try to swim or paddle with your arms towards an eddy or a calm bank.
- Stay Calm: Panic wastes energy and impairs judgment. Focus on breathing and self-rescue.
Packing for River Crossings
Ensure your gear supports safe crossings:
- Trekking Poles: Non-negotiable.
- Waterproof Dry Bags: Multiple sizes for essentials.
- River Shoes/Sandals: Sturdy options like Tevas or Chacos, or simply use your hiking boots.
- Warm Layers: A dry change of clothes, especially socks, for immediate warmth after crossing.
- First Aid Kit: Always.
River crossings are an inherent part of Alaskan hiking. Approach them with respect, caution, and the right techniques. When in doubt, turn back. No summit or view is worth risking your life.