Water Depth Check?

[nU7OuxIx]

How do you check how deep the water level is before you go driving through it when on a trail?

They always say check the depth, and I can understand why. I suppose you can find a big stick and jab it in the water, but it seems like that's not really a great way. The other thing you can do is walk it, but I can see that getting nasty, cold, muddy, and not a great way to hose off.

Is there anything that can be done to check the depth easier? Lead weight on a fishing pole maybe? Just trying to think of a way to determine it easier and safer.

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[chevymitchell]

Sticks are the best way. If you can get it to stick straight up, then just drive over it when you go through.

Also, throw a rock. You'll eventually gauge a go/no go based on its sound.

 

[JayJay]

How do you check how deep the water level is before you go driving through it when on a trail?

I always get at least second in line.

 

[ConqSoft]

Simple.

 

[SilverSurfer]

Rocky conditions and water - You do not only check the depth, you also need to make sure there are no deep holes, rocks or logs in the path your wheels will travel. My rule here is if you cannot walk it then do not drive it. Get out of your Jeep walk the right side wheel track through and back on the left wheel track.

Mud and water is a different story. The depth of the mud is just as important as the depth of the water. A stick works best in this case, a decent size stick, you need to jab the stick into the mud to see how deep the mud is and what is under the mud that can assist traction once your vehicle sinks through the mud.

Lastly, identify possible winch points, get the winch recovery kit ready before you cross.

 

[nU7OuxIx]

Thanks all for the replies!!! It sounds like all the suggested ideas are similar to what I had. I saw some cheap waders at bass pro for about $100. I also agree that if you can't walk it, you shouldn't drive it.

I think I may get the cheap waders just in case. But I still like my invention of a fishing pole and just drop it in. :D

 

[Jim1964]

I used to have a dog that was perfect for this task. If she waded through we drove it. If she swam across we turned back.

 

[azwjowner]

Walk it. Dan Grec just posted a great video this week with 30 river crossings where you can see him walk across, explain his approach, etc.:

 

[ajkitebrder40]

I've been using my traction board for mud and water, figure i can put a good bit of force with it down to see how much it subsides (not that it's comparable to a vehicle weight, but better than a stick).

 

[rubiria]

A rainy day in the NH Trails, I found myself walking thru water holes in my knee high Hunter Rain Boots. As long as the water doesn’t go past the top of my Boots and it’s clear of rocks and branches, I’m good to go.

 

[Shibadog]

I always get at least second in line.

This-let some other schmuck “test the waters”. Also note that water may andoften does have mud under it24” of water with 8” deep mud will take you a lot deeper than the water level!

 

[XtremeRetard]

This-let some other schmuck “test the waters”. Also note that water may andoften does have mud under it24” of water with 8” deep mud will take you a lot deeper than the water level!

Yep.. Good times. Nice to test out all the recovery gear too.

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