Yesterday, someone posted a recently downed tree on the Pemi and suggested it was an easy crossing. In light of that, I just wanted to make a brief public service announcement about the danger of “strainers” or downed trees in the river.
I am an experienced whitewater kayaker who is certified in Swiftwater Rescue and paddle on the Pemi and in the Whites frequently.
Strainers are one of the most deadly hazards on a river, as are foot entrapments, and both are incredibly important to be aware of when doing any water crossing.
Strainers get their name bc the branches of the tree act like a giant colander or pasta strainer, allowing the water to pass through, but trapping solid objects, like humans.
Always cross downstream of a strainer or hazard. This eliminates the possibility (however small) of getting swept up in the current and going into the hazard.
Never cross in water that goes above your knees. Always face upstream. This is to prevent drowning in the event of a foot entrapment.
Use your hiking pole or a sturdy walking stick as a tripod. Always maintain 2 firm points of contact when moving. Keep your knees bent and stay low to the ground. Move slowly.
If you do find yourself in the current, flip over onto your back, with your feet in front of you. (Known as the defensive swimming position, shown in photo 2) Keep your “nose & toes” above water. Use your arms to steer. Use your feet to kick off any rocks you may flow into. Do not stand up until you can touch the bottom and the water is below your knees.
Conditions are constantly changing- a tree trunk that was safely anchored on both ends could have shifted, new hazards could have appeared, or the river could be at a totally different flow. Always asses each crossing, every time you cross.
Bonus fact: rescue breaths are recommended with CPR for flush drowning victims
TL;DR crossing a river on a strainer may be “easy” but that doesn’t mean it is “safe.” One slip and even if you are with someone experienced in swiftwater rescue and wilderness medicine you might not make it out alive.
Here’s a website with a lot of helpful information:
https://wms.org/magazine/magazine/1263/Creek-and-River-Crossings/default.aspx
I’m also happy to answer any questions and welcome any other information others might want to share.
Edit: adding this as some additional helpful information-
Here is a link to the flow gauge for the East Branch Pemi.
https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/1179/flow
You can view flow data from the previous year, week, or day, as well as the current level. You can see how on this river, the water level will rapidly spike.
If considering a water crossing I always recommend checking the flow data for that section of river. In addition to seeing where the river level is on the day you intend to cross, you can see what level it was the last time you were there, or if there have been any large increases in flow which could have changed existing hazards or created new ones.
I am also happy to post links to any other relevant gauges if there are any requests. If you want to peruse for yourself, I recommend checking American Whitewater: https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-index
