SAR Files: River Running

June-July 1999

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web

by Lee Hindrichs

Paging through coroners reports, I'm struck by the number of river kayakers who have come to a watery grave. I must admit that white water kayaking does not appeal to me. My nature is too bucolic for rapids. Yet rivers fascinate me. They hold a poetry that resonates in my soul. Each bend calls me hither. Come see. Come see. And on I must go just to see what lies beyond the bend, a metaphoric peek into the future.

In August of '96 two brothers travelled from opposite points of the compass to rendezvous at Scotch Creek in the interior of BC. The drive along Hwy 446 and over Adams Bridge into Scotch Creek reveals portions of the Adams River, which flows into Shuswap Lake. From a distance and at the bridge viewpoint, the river appears docile.

Brother one had some kayak experience and he suggested that they go ahead and navigate the river. He had brought his folding two-person canvas kayak and all the associated safety equipment along with the requisite life jackets. Brother two consented, although he was somewhat apprehensive. He had no kayaking experience and knew himself to be a poor swimmer. Neither brother was familiar with the Adams River and they didn't seek out any local opinions or information.

Approximately 1.5 km downstream from their point of entry they came to the part of the river reverently referred to by white water rafters as "The Weir". The East Side of the river, although fast flowing, allowed for some margin of error and was the path generally taken by rafters. The West Side of The Weir is a narrow passage of fast moving water that demands perfected navigation. The two brothers with neither experience nor local knowledge, attempted to paddle the West Side. Their vessel broke up on the rocks; both men were tossed into the rapids and brother two drowned.

The nature of rivers deserves a little investigation by any paddler entertaining the idea of downstream exploring. In river exploring, like anything, you've got to be prepared in order to minimize risk. Running rivers should be reserved for the design of river boats. They have greater maneuverability than sea kayaks, they have a tighter fitting cockpit and a totally different hull shape that combine to make it easy to roll and maneuver - ideal for the challenge of white water. Ocean boats are designed for far different waters. The folding canvas kayak that the brothers were paddling collapsed on impact with the rocks. The internal hinges were wrenched out of shape and the canvas ripped off.

Rivers are not predictable. They are a study in continuous change; their very movement alters their character. Their flow affects their bed, their bed affects their flow and so the course of a river changes. The rate of flow is affected by geological factors upstream and downstream, as well as precipitation, both past and present. This does not mean that you need a degree in geology before you head out on a river but there are a few things to keep in mind.

A change in the volume of water will affect the character of the river's flow. At the time when the two brothers were attempting the Adams River, it was particularly high and running fast due to spring runoff and excessive summer rains. This year, after our winter of record rain fall, flood warnings abound.

The quantity of runoff is modified by the characteristics of the ground surface. This rock and soil substrate comprises what's known as the drainage basin; the drainage basin has a limited capacity to absorb precipitation. If precipitation in the form of snowmelt or rainfall exceeds the maximum rate of absorption, the excess water becomes runoff.

A warm spell can accelerate melt beyond what the drainage basin can absorb. The resultant runoff will vary in direct proportion to the amount of radiated heat (sunshine). Runoff, and hence the height and speed of the river, will vary over the course of the day. In the early morning the river will be at its "normal" level. As the day progresses the amount of heat accumulates which increases the runoff, creating higher water in the river. The cool of evening will see a corresponding decrease in melting, the runoff slows and the river returns to its "normal" level.

The same docile river that you paddled last Thursday may be a wild coursing rapid on Saturday after two days of torrential downpours. The drainage basin can't handle the excess water and there is a dramatic increase in runoff.

Flash floods can occur when there is a sudden thaw after a long cold winter. This doesn't allow for the normal softening and breaking of surface ice. Instead the sheer force of the swelling river ruptures the surface ice. Sheets of ice become lodged, forming dams. The dams cause flooding upstream. Eventually the force of the flood water ruptures the ice dam and a flood wave careens downstream wreaking havoc in its path. Your only warning of such a flash flood will be the noise of the on-rushing water before it reaches you. The recommended course of action in such an event, is prayer.

If you plan to paddle a river, consider the following:

• Walk your course first. Despite all that poetic stuff about the lure of the unknown, the next bend could hold a sudden drop off, a narrowing with rapids or debris from the spring run off.

• Talk to locals, the tourist information booth or a representative of the park you're in and get an idea of what you can expect from your river. Does it have a history of flooding? What has the weather been like recently? Is the drainage basin likely at saturation due to excessive rain over the past couple of days?

• Consult a topographical map to help assess the geological characteristics of the riverbed. Look for steep portions that could indicate sudden drop-offs and narrowing which will cause the water to speed up. Are there areas that you can pull out if you need to? What is the weather forecast for the duration of your trip? Will you be able to paddle against the river current?

Your paddling skills will also have to be adapted to river water. On rivers, bracing is done downstream because the current helps support your paddle. On oceans you brace upstream into a wave. It's the lift that is supporting your braced paddle. (You'll have to recall some grade 11 physics here.)

Another factor to keep in mind whether you're on the ocean or a river is to respect your own skill level and that of the other members of your group. If you're uncomfortable about a decision, question it. You do have the option of saying "no".

Safe paddling is just a matter of taking the time to assess situations and preparing for probabilities. Safe paddling.

Lee Hindrichs co-owns and operates Windrunner Ocean Adventures in Sidney BC, a successful business she and husband Stephen have recently put up for sale. This will be Lee's last edition of SAR Files. On behalf of all our readers, thank you Lee for your good work. We wish you all the best.