Question about water crossings on the John Muir Trail

I've been studying maps for a JMT trip next August and I keep seeing people underestimate how dangerous the creek crossings can be. Last year a hiker had to be rescued near Evolution Creek because they tried to cross late in the day when the water was really high. I've done the trail twice before and I always plan my crossings for early morning when snowmelt is lowest. Has anyone else found that most people ignore the ranger advice about timing these crossings?

3 comments

3 Comments

taylor_fox2mo ago

Timing's everything, but most folks don't check the weather upstream either.

rowan_butler932mo ago

Deer Creek reservoir was almost empty last August because nobody looked at the snowpack in the mountains the winter before. Same thing happens every year with the Arkansas River rafting season - they schedule trips in May and then wonder why the water's too low. People just look at the calendar and assume conditions will be perfect. Check the gauges upriver before you plan anything.

white.alex23d ago

Buddy of mine booked a rafting trip in April, showed up to a creek you could wade across.