Give streams the slip

Every year about this time, longer days, pleasant temperatures and hungry fish lure backpackers to Sierra Nevada streams. And every year about this time, those same waterways turn into a big drain for heaps of melting snow. Note to early season hikers: Don’t get caught in the plumbing.

Stream crossings that are a snap later in the year can be tricky -- or impossible -- in spring and early summer when snowmelt is at its highest. At the very least, be prepared to get your feet wet; at worst, plan on turning back if a creek is impassable.

Although the Sierra had a relatively light snow year -- the snowpack was 12% to 40% of normal for the area as of May 18, according to the California Department of Water Resources -- some parts received enough winter snowfall to leave streams swollen with runoff.

“It’s not a big water year,” said Alexandra Picavet, a park ranger at Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks. “That shouldn’t fool people into thinking it’s safer. People have to take each crossing on its own merit. The situation can change daily.”

Because conditions are always in flux, check with Forest Service and national park visitor centers right before you plan to hike on trails with stream crossings.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon have already had 100-degree days that have filled streams with snowmelt. “River crossings at peak runoff are never safe unless you’re on a bridge,” Picavet said.

Trails that cross big rivers usually have bridges, but what about backcountry creeks and streams that aren’t as dry as they are in July?

Marty Hornick, forest trails coordinator for Inyo National Forest, said there should be fewer problems with creek crossings this year than in a normal spring with more runoff. But if you do run across high water, his top tip: “If in doubt, just stay out.”

Start by trying to find natural methods of crossing, such as a log or rocks to hopscotch across. It’s hard to tell how reliable the footing will be from shore, so move slowly.

Mentally rehearse your route across boulders, using your trekking poles for balance, advises the Mountaineers, a Seattle-based outdoor organization. And unless you’re practicing for a log-rolling competition, make sure fallen trees are solid and not slippery.

But sometimes you’ll need to take the plunge.

If you can’t see the bottom of the stream, it’s probably a clue not to try and cross it, Hornick said.

If it looks like you can cross safely, scout out the best place to ford the stream. Try to scope out the creek from above to find the shallowest spot, where the current is slowest, to wade to the other side.

It might be tempting to scoot across at the narrowest part of the stream, but that’s also where water tends to be deepest, swiftest and most dangerous, according to the Mountaineers. So cross where it’s widest -- you may have farther to go, but the currents will probably be slower.

Also, give some thought to the time of day. As the day warms, snow melts more quickly and makes for higher water, so the best time to cross streams is in the morning, Picavet said.

Before you set foot in the water, think about the speed at which it’s moving, advises Elizabeth Lunney, executive director of the Washington Trails Assn., a nonprofit organization in Washington state, where peak runoff doesn’t occur until July or August.

“The thing that people underestimate the most is how much more powerful water is when it’s moving faster,” Lunney said.

Water that’s shin deep is probably doable, but when it starts getting thigh-high, you might want to consider an alternative.

Also consider the water’s temperature. “If it’s cold, you want to get in and get to the other side quickly,” she said. “It can be difficult to move in a quick, cold, flowing stream.”

Hypothermia is a consideration even on warm days. You don’t want to stay in soaked clothes, so always bring something dry to change into if there’s a chance of getting wet.

Once you are in the water, face upstream and cross at a diagonal. The footing may be dicey, so never attempt to cross barefoot. Stepping on slimy rocks is like walking on greased basketballs; switch to water sandals or gym shoes for traction.

You also can take off your hiking boots and socks, remove the boots’ inserts, then put the boots back on to cross. The boots will be wet, but the socks and liners should keep your feet dry once you put them back on.

Use a walking stick or hiking poles for balance, but not ones with ski-pole discs on the tips that can get caught under rocks. If you’re wearing a pack, loosen the shoulder straps and unclip the chest and waist straps -- be ready to ditch it if you fall in.

Never use ropes to attempt a stream crossing, Lunney said. Ropes can get caught and hold you underwater. Several people crossing together can link arms to increase stability.

Always give yourself the option of turning back.

When she first came to the park, Picavet remembers hearing of bones that were found with a ranger’s badge in a river that runs only a short time each year. “Sometimes it’s best to backtrack rather than take your life in your hands,” she said.

To e-mail Julie Sheer or read her previous Outdoors Institute columns, go to

latimes.com/juliesheer.