Indian pass brook crossing

[wayward son]

When crossing Indian Pass brook on the way to Street and Nye for an upcoming summer hike, is it simply a rock hopping affair or a wade thru high water? I imagine current weather conditions might dictate the way to cross. But having never been there, I wonder if bringing a pair of sandals might be wise in case of a brief wade? Also, even though the trail was improved within the last few years, I see no mention in my H.P. trail guide about a bridge being installed. True?

[Dick]

When crossing Indian Pass brook on the way to Street and Nye for an upcoming summer hike, is it simply a rock hopping affair or a wade thru high water? I imagine current weather conditions might dictate the way to cross. But having never been there, I wonder if bringing a pair of sandals might be wise in case of a brief wade? Also, even though the trail was improved within the last few years, I see no mention in my H.P. trail guide about a bridge being installed. True?

As you indicated, weather can make it go either way. I have carried water shoes to make the crossing, then stash them in the woods for the return. The water level can change within the same day, so I'd come prepared for that. Poles help, too. No bridge across. I have heard that the going can be easier farther downstream from the traditional crossing, but I haven't tried it.

Dick

[wayward son]

Morning Dick! Thanks for the info. Just what I suspected. I thought I read of possible difficult high water crossings from previous years VFTT accounts, but wasn't totally sure. In any event, it will be interesting and I'll come prepared.

[Antlerpeak]

Wayward here is what you could run into as we did a few years ago on a not too nice of a March day.

[MattC]

Funky Freddy and I crossed on 10/2 of last year. We had to take off our boots and socks for the crossing. I managed to stub a toe and may have sprained or broke it. That brook is pretty wide, so I imagine it'd be a tough crossing if it was also high. I found that whole area incredibly beautiful. There's a nice beaver pond on the far side of the brook-I still have Freddy's pic of it on my desktop.

Matt

[JimB]

A few years ago we got trapped at Rocky Falls leanto which is just upstream from that crossing. It was March and in just a short time the river rose a couple of feet. I managed to ford the stream through thigh high water and put up a handline for my son and a friend to follow me. I don't think Pete's bags would have kept my feet dry :) . I have a great pic of it but i can't get it small enought to attach :? .

[wayward son]

Hey MattC, JimB and Antlerpeak! Thanks for the insight and the picture. The brook looks wider than I anticipated. I'll probably hike Nye and Street during mid summer when hopefully the water level will be low. Also, I'll be checking on other hikers' accounts on this site and VFTT to try to get an understanding of how the brook flow is running. By the way Antlerpeak, is there any way I can enlarge that picture you provided on my computer screen? I am not computer literate. I was hoping that by clicking the image it would enlarge, but that didn't work. In any event, thanks again.

[Gandalf]

I hope the warmer temps forecast for later in the week don't thaw the Brook, as there's about a 50-50 chance I'll attempt Nye and Street on Sunday or Monday. :? I suppose a silver lining is that the crossing is fairly close to the Loj, so if it's impassible I can just turn around and go climb something else.

[AlpineSummit]

It's supposed to be very cold on the weekend, but warm & wet midweek. It's anyone's guess what you'll find there.

[Antlerpeak]

By the way Antlerpeak, is there any way I can enlarge that picture you provided on my computer screen? I am not computer literate. I was hoping that by clicking the image it would enlarge, but that didn't work. In any event, thanks again.

Wayward, the size limitations here prevent that at least if allowed I am not sure how to do that. I put the picture on my web site where you can enlarge it by clicking. I hope that helps. Sorry to take so long but I just saw your message.

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeejqb7/

[blueline]

I hiked Street and Nye on Sunday 2/19 The ice was solid. The temperatures for the week will be in the mid 20's to mid 30's. I doubt there will be any change in the ice this week.

[wayward son]

Hey Antlerpeak! Thanks for putting that picture on your website, very much appreciated it. Your crossing does indeed look quite cold and awkward. The depth of the water near the far bank appears to be about knee deep. Hopefully, it wasn't much deeper in the middle. Brrr! Thanks again.

[Antlerpeak]

It was one of the dumber things we have done Wayward but sometimes you have to do stupid things. We did have extra woolies, socks etc. Once across we towled off yup one of us brought a towel put dry socks on and our feet felt no after effects. It was well above the knees in the center of the brook and the ice chunks were sharp. We managed to miss most of them thankfully.

I will add the best thing is to not try this because it was not fun and in retrospect rather dangerous. One thing learned from this is we have not tried it again. Reading other recent reports of the allen trips I fully agree STAY ON THE LAKE JIMMY BOARDWALK. That lake is no doubt not for wading right now.

[Silverback]

Wayward, I've crossed it two different years in Late May/Early June with no trouble. I had trekking poles and did the rock hop boogie. However, as pointed out elsewhere, water levels rise pretty quickly after any kind of extended rain, so conditions can change in hours or minutes, for that matter. I like Dick's idea of water shoes. I use an old pair of sneakers and have at it.

Good luck.