River Crossing Risk Score
Combines flow, depth, temperature, and visibility into a "should we cross" verdict.
Crossing inputs
Result
A natural placement between the calculator and the explanation.
What this solves — and what it doesn't
Unplanned river crossings are one of the leading causes of wilderness fatalities. A ‘safe’ crossing depends on depth, speed, cold, channel width, bed texture, and visibility — not just whether it looks shallow. This tool combines those into a 0 to 100 score with a clear verdict.
How to read the result
The score is a heuristic. Above 75 means a fit adult with care can likely cross. Below 30 means find another route or wait for lower water.
The two big factors are force index (depth × speed) and water temperature. Cold water can disable a swimmer within minutes; murky water hides foot entanglements.
Limitations
- Doesn’t model debris load (a single log changes everything).
- Doesn’t model individual swimming ability.
- Doesn’t replace group-decision protocols (unclip pack, face upstream, etc.).
Frequently asked questions
When is it safer to wait?
Always when in doubt. Water drops overnight; morning crossings are often easier.
Should I keep my pack on?
Yes — it adds buoyancy. Unclip the waist belt and sternum strap so you can ditch if you fall.
What about crossing in groups?
Bracing each other reduces risk; unclip from each other before crossing.