Fast flowing, high rivers not good 4-wheeling destination
Despite all the warnings about how high rivers are in Northern Nevada and Northern California, not everyone is paying attention.
South Shore residents on Sunday saw two trucks stuck midstream in the Carson River.
Crossing the Carson River on June 12 and getting stuck. Photo/Bob Anderson
The river is flowing at about 3,000 cubic feet per second right now.
The height of the run-off is not expected to hit until the end of the month, so rivers are likely to rise more and run just as fast or faster in the coming weeks.
On top of that, all rivers are extremely cold — so getting out of a stuck vehicle to wade to safety poses even more dangers.
— Lake Tahoe News staff report
Perfect example why people with 4×4 can be such jerks.
That statement about people with 4×4 are jerks is bs. Just because some people made poor decisions doesn’t mean that all people with 4 wheel drives are jerks. There are many responsible people with 4x4s that do lots for the wilderness as well for the community. Not all people with what ever outdoor hobby make the best decisions. They don’t represent the many that do good.
I was there, and this is how it went down.Also, there was a large group from the North Shore too.
A rather large group of 4×4’ers came down to the river (the other side of the hot spring camp). They were from Sacramento, the Bay Area, and two guys from France’ and were planning on camping for a couple days. I know this b/c I spoke to the driver of the Toyota truck. The first truck to cross the river was the Toyota, he barely made it across; for a few brief seconds his truck was floating, but since he was going with the current he was able to pull the truck out. So, with the first successful crossing the “hot-shot” in the Ford diesel truck decided to go for it. He actually made it look easy, but the Ford was heavier and higher then the Toyota. The Ford wasn’t with the Cali group, but Minden.
So, eventually they were going to need to get back. Well, the Toyota group decided that a tow strap would be needed since he barely made it across and the current was so strong in the main channel. Well, after one attempt with a IK paddler, which failed he decided not to wait for a second attempt and went for it. The truck had no chance at all. For a few seconds the cab of the Toyota was completely full of water as it was getting carried off in the current of the main channel, but the driver was able to crawl out the window onto the cab roof.Eventually it stopped floating downstream.The driver was rescued and brought to our side of the river. From there the group decided they had to drag the truck out by wrapping the strap around the cab through the windows. Oh no! That just ripped the cab right off, and from there it rolled down the river.
While this was happening the guy (and his girlfriend)were watching.And he decided that his truck was bad-ass enough to make it. He was looking OK for the first half of the crossing but then he was in the main channel and flooring it!!! Slowly the Ford was being pushed downstream until the engine flooded and it was over for them. Ford was pushed down towards the Toyota.
From there it was another rescue. My boat tried the first attempt to rescue them, but the current was too fast. Our friend in a hard shell kayak was able to land on the truck and assist in the rescue. Three cheers for him!!!
I wonder if and when they will try to get the trucks out. It looked like the guy from Minden just lost his work truck too.
Stay tuned for the YouTube video, we have some good footage.
Yes Bob you are right, just like people who carry guns,it’s not the gun or 4×4 that does the harm .It’s the brain behind the wheel or trigger that makes the final decision.
All these boulders,green fences the USFS PUT UP ARE CAUSE A FEW HAIR BRAINS DIDN’T USE COMMON SENSE.
Meadows and open surfaces down the valley up here both may feel firm to a person walking on it, but when you roll a 2 ton truck on it, it does tear the soil,does harm to the earth.I’ve seen some local meadows totally raped of their beauty and it will take years to grow back to a natural state.(this is a real wet winter and conition will last longer this year).
I’ve lived here 40 years and have had many 4 wheel drives and at one time was a fellow jeep-er jammer,but we did make it a point to try leave the place in better condition than we found it when we camped along the Rubicon trail,hauling out lots trash.
The point is to use a little bit of your brain before you try impressing others in a natural setting with 400 horsepower,knobby tires,loaded on beer ,jack, doobies.
You can save that for the campfire and I’ll bring my own bag,bottle.
I agree clear water. Also, you crack me up.
Here’s the funny part. These guys weren’t drinking, or else it wasn’t apparent from when I spoke to them when they were on the hot spring side of the river.
Keep in mind that during lower flows the river is crossed all the time by the 4×4’ers. The 4×4 club actually built the tubs for soaking in.This is also on BLM land.
I agree about with your comment about jacked on alcohol and other stuff and trying to impress. I myself have lived here my hole life and have spent ALOT of time in the hills cleaning up and enjoying nature. As I said not all people that enjoy outdoors in 4×4 vehicles are jerks.
Clear Water –
Just like illegal fire rings in Desolation are a perfect example of why people who hike can be such jerks.
Just like cut switch backs on popular horse trails are a perfect example of why people who ride horses can be such jerks.
Just like trees cut down at Star Lake for firewood are a perfect example of why people who camp at Star Lake can be such jerks.
Just like piles of used toilet paper are a perfect example of why people who poop can be such jerks.
Etc, etc.
Romie
Couldn’t have said it any better myself.