Why is the Kern River so dangerous? The Kern River is notorious for being extremely dangerous to navigate, but why is that?
Swimmers and rafters alike may encounter difficulties in certain areas of the river.
Dangers abound in the river because of its geological makeup and how it flows.
But why is the Kern River so deadly in the first place?
The Kern River is dangerous because of things like low water temperature as well as large waves and hydraulics, boulders, and confined spaces between rocks.
Why Is the Kern River So Dangerous?
Also called California’s “Killer River,” the notoriety of the Kern River has been well-deserved.
Numerous deaths have resulted from the river’s dangerous currents and erratic weather.
Here, we will delve deeply into the issues that make the Kern River so perilous:
Swift Currents and Rapid Flows
The swift current of the Kern River goes above 8000 CFS, which is its defining characteristic.
The snowmelt from the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains feeds the river, causing strong currents that might surprise river travelers.
Because warmer temperatures hasten snowmelt, the speed of these currents can significantly increase in the spring and early summer.
Fact: There have been 317 fatalities associated with the Kern River's treacherous waters since 1968.
Underwater Hazards
The attraction of the Kern River is misleading due to the hidden dangers beneath the surface.
Swimming and rafting are both extremely dangerous activities because of the presence of submerged boulders, logs, and debris.
These hidden dangers can potentially catch people, pinning them against the ferocious river currents.
When caught in this form, getting out requires a struggle against the river’s power and a race against the clock.
And it is complicated by the fact that it is hard to see and move around underwater.
Cold Water Temperatures
Since snowmelt is the primary source of water for the Kern River, its currents tend to be chilly. In fact, the temperature can be as low as 38F.
Those unaccustomed to or unprepared for the cold risk serious injury if they enter the water and stay there for any length of time.
The risk of hypothermia, in which the body’s temperature dips below a critical point, is very real.
Furthermore, the normal response of a gasp upon quick immersion in cold water might cause water inhalation.
Drowning by inhaling water is instantaneous if the victim is unable to reach the surface quickly.
Fact: Strong waves caused by snowmelt have the potential to create dangerously unpredictable conditions in the Kern River that can deceive experienced swimmers.
Strainers and Sieves
Natural river hazards such as strainers and sieves provide a serious threat on the Kern River.
Water can pass through strainers made of overhanging tree branches or submerged vegetation, and sieves made of rocks, which catch debris in the process.
The consequences can be catastrophic for a swimmer or rafter in such a predicament.
The strong currents of the river push them up against these obstacles, thereby trapping them underwater.
A relaxing swim or rafting trip can quickly become a probable life-or-death struggle as you battle the might of the river and the diminishing oxygen supply.
Hydraulics or Holes
The Kern River has a serious problem with hydraulics, often known as holes.
They develop when the downstream flow of a river hits an impediment, usually, a boulder, causing the water to churn back on itself and create a strong, recirculating current.
This natural occurrence can potentially trap swimmers in a dangerous submersion if they are not careful.
The combination of the river’s power and the hydraulic’s round flow makes getting out of this jam nearly impossible.
It could be difficult for swimmers to break out of what seems like an infinite loop of submersion in order to surface for air.
Changing River Levels
Water levels of the Kern River fluctuate, adding to the river’s unpredictability.
The water levels are constantly fluctuating due to the complex system of dams and reservoirs that controls its flow.
Such shifts can dramatically enhance the river’s velocity and force, heightening the threats already present.
In a matter of minutes, this may transform a safe environment into a perilous one, posing new threats to everyone in or near the water.
Accidents are more likely to occur when conditions suddenly shift, which can happen to swimmers, rafters, or even bystanders.
Fact: The ever-changing currents and dynamics of the Kern River necessitate that all who interact with it maintain a high level of alertness and readiness.
Local Safety Measures
People’s disregard for safety is a major factor in the Kern River’s perilous conditions.
Despite common knowledge of the river’s dangers, many still grossly overestimate their swimming skills.
Because of this inflated sense of self-assurance, many people take unnecessary risks and sustain injuries.
Lack of protective equipment like life jackets and helmets further increases dangers. The lack of these potentially lifesaving tools during emergencies is a common tragedy.
This reckless behavior emphasizes the critical significance of raising river goers’ consciousness about the risks involved in river activities and encouraging them to take all necessary precautions to stay safe.
Inaccessibility of Certain Areas
The topographical features of the Kern River contribute to its dangerous reputation.
In the wilds of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, portions of the river are difficult to access because of their isolation.
Because of its inaccessibility, rescue efforts are complicated.
The ability to quickly reach a person is crucial in saving their life during an emergency circumstance.
However, rescuers sometimes confront formidable hurdles, such as hazardous terrain and fast-moving rivers, which can slow their reaction time in these isolated river areas.
So, the river’s inaccessibility amplifies its inherent risks, and a well-prepared party is required for any expedition.
Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Substance misuse is a less evident but highly consequential issue associated with all things that can go wrong on the Kern River.
To heighten their vacation experience, some visitors choose to imbibe alcoholic beverages or other drugs.
However, due to the impairment of their judgment and motor abilities caused by this use, they are no longer able to safely negotiate the hazards of the river.
A drunk person is more likely to fail to take proper safety precautions, overestimate their talents, and misjudge the river’s strength.
Drug use is also deadly since it slows reaction times and impairs judgment, both of which are essential in emergency situations.
Fact: Substance misuse and excessive drinking greatly increase the likelihood of fatal incidents occurring on the Kern River.
More about Kern River Water Safety
The Kern River can indeed be extremely dangerous, which is why you should always follow water safety guidelines.
For instance:
- The water level in the Kern River is unpredictable and could rise at any time, so be prepared.
- There are swift currents below the surface of the Kern River, so it is important to always wear a life jacket there.
- Do not go near the river if you are not with an experienced guide.
- Practice care because it is easy to misjudge the strength of the currents of the Kern River, even if you are a skilled swimmer.
- Keep a safe distance of 3 to 5 feet from the riverside. Erosion of the shoreline means that even water as shallow as six inches can be harmful.
- Keep your group together when you are out in the wilderness near the Kern River.
- Do not partake in any outdoor activities near the Kern River if you have been drinking or using drugs.
- There are a lot of trees, branches, and boulders at river’s bottom that may easily shred or tear a small inflatable, making it unsafe to use on the river.
- Do not try to swim against the current if you find yourself in the river. Relax like you are sitting on a lawn chair and let the river carry you to the bank.
Takeaway
Why is the Kern River so dangerous? The Kern River attracts many people due to its exciting rapids, picturesque scenery, and potential for adventure.
However, the river’s attractive features also make it capable of rapidly transforming into a lethal foe.
What makes it dangerous is how it flows, the dangers lying underwater, and its low water temperatures.
The current can change any minute, which also makes things extremely dangerous. You have to give the river the respect it deserves and be aware of its risks to be safe.
