Dale developed a rating scale to describe the crossing of a creek or river.
Original rating scale
Crossing |
Rating |
dry crossing possible using rocks or logs |
WA1 |
possible wet crossing, but a dry crossing is possible with some finesse |
WA2 |
wet crossing, ankle-to-calf deep |
WA3 |
wet crossing, calf-to-knee deep |
WA4 |
wet crossing, greater than knee deep, with risk of being swept downstream |
WA5 |
Modified rating scale
Crossing |
Rating |
dry or nearly dry water course |
WA0 |
dry crossing relatively easy using rocks or logs |
WA1 |
dry crossing requires some finesse, possible wet crossing |
WA2 |
wet crossing, up to ankle |
WA3 |
wet crossing, ankle to mid-calf deep |
WA4 |
wet crossing, mid-calf to knee deep |
WA5 |
wet crossing, greater than knee deep, with low risk of being swept downstream |
WA6 |
wet crossing, greater than knee deep, high risk of being swept downstream |
WA7 |
Factors that may affect the crossing:
(1) slickness of the surfaces
(2) foot covering
(3) speed of water
(4) debris in water
(5) backpack or other equipment being carried
(6) temperature of the water
(7) presence of a safety line
(8) riding on a horse or other animal
(9) distance across the water course
Specialty: Emergency Medicine, Critical Care