Why nobody talks about water crossings after a storm in the Sierra

I was crossing a creek near Bishop Creek last June and a log bridge shifted mid-step. I barely caught myself. The online route descriptions all said "easy crossing" for that spot. Is it better to check for recent storm runoff reports before you go, or just pack a backup plan for every crossing?

3 comments

3 Comments

black.oliver19d ago

Used to shrug off storm runoff reports, but that log bridge story just changed my mind.

william_craig719d ago

Does anyone think those logs might actually be channeling the water straight into people's basements instead of stopping it? That bridge story made me wonder if we're looking at the wrong problem, like the runoff is just a symptom of something bigger upstream. Maybe the real fix isn't more drains but rethinking how we build near creeks altogether.

the_robin19d ago

black.oliver, that log bridge story got me too. In my experience, "easy crossing" in a route description is basically code for "we did this in dry weather and hoped for the best." I once packed for a casual day hike by a river and ended up swimming across a knee-deep creek that turned into a waist-deep torrent after a surprise storm. My backup plan was literally a granola bar and wet socks. So yeah, checking recent storm runoff reports is smart, but always pack a backup plan because those logs have a mind of their own. Your mileage may vary, but I've learned to treat every crossing like it's going to try to dunk me.