How to Ford a River

Below is a YouTube video by John E. Hiker that I found really informative. He makes a good point that the Federal and State organizations et al that maintain trails have a limited budget. So bridges that wash out are not always being replaced in a timely fashion. Especially on more of the remote trails. 
Knowing how to safely cross a river is an important skill for backpackers.
Some immediate take aways are to cross in the morning when snow fed rivers and streams are at their lowest. Wear shoes or waterproof socks or even wool socks to cross rivers. Rocks are slippery and you may lose your footing or injure yourself going barefoot. 
Undo the straps on your pack both waist and sternum straps.
Use a pole or find a sturdy stick to use to probe the river as you cross and also as leverage to help you stay balanced and upright.
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