Washington Trails Association volunteers are spending this week building a footlog crossing over Ipsut Creek at Mount Rainier National Park. The old bridge that crossed the creek was washed away during a flood in November of 2006. Without a bridge to cross, Frances Blakely of Puyallup fell in the creek and drowned attempting to cross on a fallen tree on March 20, 2007. Her husband, Robert, jumped in to try to save her and also drowned.

Here’s an excerpt from an article I wrote following the ’07 accident. Two experts give advice on how to cross moving water in the backcountry.

During the hiking season, rangers try to keep footlogs over rivers at Mount Rainier, but the logs are regularly washed away, leaving hikers with a decision to make: cross or turn around?

"The most common thing that gets people into trouble crossing rivers is just slipping - even those who are experienced," Steve Klump, the park's wilderness district ranger, said Wednesday.

River crossings are one of Klump's primary concerns, even when trails and rivers are in good shape.

"There are a ton of factors to consider before crossing, but basically it boils down to experience," Klump said. "We are not encouraging anybody to cross unassisted."

In fact, park rangers say err on the side of caution.
"If you have any doubts, turn around," Carl Fabiani, the park's trail foreman, said. "Hikers need to think twice or three times before attempting to cross these rivers."

The glacial streams around Mount Rainier can be especially intimidating. They move quickly and rumble as rocks are pushed down stream. The rocks in the stream can be coated with a slippery algae and the water is always cold.

To cross, you need to take the time to size up the river. Klump says walk down the bank, looking for downed trees that bridge the stream and log jams in the water. If there's a logjam downstream, the stream likely will pin you under it should you fall in.

Once you determine it's safe to cross, either by walking through the river or crossing on a log, undo your hip belt and other straps on your pack. That lets you more easily shed your pack should you fall.

"The downside to that is with your straps loose, you are more likely to fall off balance," Klump said. "You have to consider all of these things when making your decision."

And never jump in if a companion falls into the stream, said Tom Minor, a swift-water rescue instructor.

"The water is so cold it is going to shock you," he said. You're going to be lucky if you can save yourself let alone save somebody else."

That's easier to say than do, Minor said, especially when a relative or friend falls in. "But I see it all the time," he said. "One person drowns and a second dies trying to save them."

Minor says be prepared to try a rescue from shore by throwing a rescue line.

But never rope up to cross a river, experts say.

"Ropes and rivers don't mix," Klump said. "The rope is going to get tangled and can anchor a person underwater."

Bottom line: If you feel unsafe, Klump said, “turn around and find another trail."

(By Craig Hill, March 22, 2007)

From Mount Rainier National Park:

Mount Rainier National Park Acting Superintendent Randy King announces that repair of the Nisqually Road at MP 12.3 (Glacier Hill) and Stevens Canyon Road at MP 14.1 (east of Backbone Ridge Viewpoint), damaged during the January 2009 flood, will soon begin.

The award for the repair contract was made by Western Federal Lands Highway Division (WFLHD) to Randolph Construction Services, Inc. of Pasco, WA for $965,407. The Notice to Proceed is tentatively scheduled to be issued on June 15 with a completion date of July 31, 2009. During the construction period Stevens Canyon Road will be open to the public from the Stevens Canyon Wye to Box Canyon from the west and to the Grove of the Patriarchs from the east. Through traffic on Stevens Canyon will not be allowed until the road is repaired.

=> Read more!

Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest will receive $5.6 million of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to repair and upgrade roads, bridges and other drainage.

Evans Creek ORV Area Roads are among those on the list to repair.

Click here to read a lost of all the $228 million worth of projects around the country including several more in Washington.

Mountain Loop Scenic Highway and Pilchuck Road opened Wednesday.

“The sun may be out, but be careful, snow still covers Pilchuck Trail, putting hikers at risk for getting lost,” said Peter Forbes, Darrington District Ranger, in a news release from Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

The Mountain Loop Scenic Highway provides access to popular trails and campgrounds. Following the South Fork Stillaguamish River over Barlow Pass and into the South Fork Sauk River drainage, it connects the towns of Darrington and Granite Falls.

Click here for current road and trail information.