Modified Creek and River Crossing Scale of Dale

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

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