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Stream Crossing

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(b)    Chain Method of Crossing. When the water level begins to reach thigh deep, or if the current is too swift for personnel to safely perform an individual crossing, a team crossing may be used. In chain crossing, two or more individuals cross arms with each other and lock their hands in front of themselves (Fig). The line formed faces the far bank. The largest individual should be on the upstream end of the line to break the current for the group.

 

(c )    Single Log Bridge. This method is used when the water obstacle is about 6 –7 feet wide and the flow of current is fast. Fallen logs of     8 –10 feet in length having adequate thickness are used to make a bridge. Log can be placed by either using ropes or by sliding. The bridge is crossed by sitting on the log and moving ahead. Safety measures like belay need to be taken when the individual is crossing the bridge. 

(d)     Double Log Bridge. This method is used when more time is available for making a bridge. Once a single log bridge has been made, another log of the same size is put across the water obstacle parallel to the previous log. A clove hitch is tied to both the logs to ensure that these do not move apart. The individual while crossing over this bridge can easily walk over the two logs.

(e)     Single Rope Bridge. Single rope  bridge is made when the water level of the obstacle is high and the flow of the water is fast. In this method a rope is tied to the trees or any anchor on the either sides of the river and the obstacle is crossed by crawling over the rope either by monkey crawl or by using a carabiner with a long sling. In this method, one individual will have to wade through the river to the other end with the rope to be tied to an anchor.

(f)     Double Rope Bridge. Two ropes are tied one below the other to the anchors on the either side of the obstacle. The distance between the ropes should not be more than 3 feet. The lower rope is used to walk on, and the rope on the top is held by the individual while walking sideways. In this method a individual can cross the obstacle with his equipment.

(g)     Tarzan Swing. This method can be used to cross over narrow a water obstacle where a tree or any other natural anchor is available near and over the obstacle. A rope is tied to this anchor and the obstacle can be crossed by the individual by taking a swing. The free end of the rope should be of adequate length so that the individual can easily take a swing and cross over. The strength of the tree / branch should also be checked before taking a swing.

Conclusion 5. River / stream crossing presents one of the most hazardous situations faced by the mountaineers. Crossing should be attempted keeping the safety of the personnel in mind

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