How to Ford a River

Crossing a river can be both exhilarating and terrifying. This true backcountry experience seems simple in theory, but if you do it wrong you could get injured or die. The most critical element of fording a river is knowing where it's safe to cross and whether the water level is conducive to a crossing. Only once you've evaluated the risk factors can you turn your attention to the literal mechanics of how to cross the river.

Things You'll Need

• Trekking poles or hiking stick

Instructions

1. Plan to cross the river at its lowest possible water level. Use a tidal chart to determine this if you're traveling near the coast, as ocean tides can greatly influence near-coast river levels. In mountainous areas where rivers may be fed by a glacier or snowmelt, try to cross as early as possible in the day since additional melt water usually raises the river level later in the day.

2. Scout out the best crossing places. Use a map, aerial photos, scouting ahead yourself or advice from other hikers to look for places where the river branches or braids; it may be easier to cross one braid or fork at a time since the water level is usually much lower. Ideally the water should be no deeper than your knees for a safe crossing.

3. Test the water, if you can't see through it or think you might be wrongly estimating how deep it is, by throwing a good-size rock into it. Listen for a hollow "ploop" sound that might indicate deep water. Watch to see if the rock gets swept downstream before it sinks, and listen and watch for other rocks rolling in the water. If you see or hear any of these sounds, it means the water is flowing too fast for you to cross and you should find another location or wait for the water to go down.

4. Roll up your pants and remove your shoes and socks if possible--or plan to put on dry clothing, socks and shoes once you reach the other side. Many hikers like to carry a pair of water shoes or sandals so that they have foot protection while crossing a river but don't get their primary shoes soaked; crossing barefoot is usually a bad idea. Also unfasten all hip or sternum straps and other buckles that hold your backpack tightly to you; if you fall into the water you need to be able to get out of the pack quickly if it keeps you from getting back up again.

5. Cross one step at a time, using hiking poles or sturdy sticks to probe ahead of you and help you keep your balance. If the water is moving fast, face upstream and lean into the current just a little bit, stepping sideways. Know that the current will push you downstream a bit, and plan accordingly when you select your departure and entry points for the ford.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're crossing in a group, you can link arms for stability.

References

• "Backpacker Magazine"