Crossing Big River on AAWT (winter)

Sun 15 Apr, 2012 1:12 am

This is something of a request for information.

I am preparing for a solo, start to finish, AAWT effort during winter. I have only previously crossed Big River in summer and have previously taken the Quartz Ridge route to Bogong.

My question is: does anyone have info (and images) of the Big River crossing between Duane and T Spurs in winter? I am keen to know water level and rate of flow.

Sun 15 Apr, 2012 12:21 pm

Haven't crossed it in winter, but if I was you then I'd take Quartz Ridge to be safe. That said, the river level shouldn't rise substantially until the snow starts melting, or we get a decent front through that's too warm to fall as snow.

Sun 15 Apr, 2012 12:32 pm

Yes, I was thinking that. And besides, it would be a shame to miss Bogong.

Sun 15 Apr, 2012 4:15 pm

Up and down in level all the time.
like most Alpine streams flow is of course greater when the weather is warmer but first thing in the morning flow is usually quite low, and the colder the nite the lower the rate of melt. Never had any problems that could not be solved by spending an extra day waiting.
just take the usual precautions.
is the grab-wire still there?? We had a decent fallen tree bridge last trip 3 years or so ago.

Thu 19 Apr, 2012 5:14 pm

Hi Oyster_07
I'm doing an end to end solo across the Australian Alps this winter as well. When and where will you be starting? I'm starting in Tharwa, July 1. Message me if you're interested in comparing notes and gear

Sun 22 Apr, 2012 2:59 pm

Last I heard the chain was disconnected at one end. That, however, was a couple of months back. But, unless there have been heavy rainfalls, the river is usually easy enough mid-winter, especially in the morning. Just avoid it during the thaw.

Sun 22 Apr, 2012 3:32 pm

Hi TerraMer;

I saw your post previously and thought the same. I will be overseas this Australian winter, so I am looking at 2013. That said, I have been developing initial plans for a south to north. I have initial daily stages planned. I can email them through if you like. PM your email if you like.

Fri 27 Apr, 2012 5:26 pm

Hi Folks,

Just a quick reply. Lots of good replies above. Unfortunately I don't have any photos of the crossing in winter as haven't done that crossing in years as I prefer Quartz Ridge in winter where you would be extremely unlucky to have issues for very long with the crossing there. Several times I have been lucky enough to have had a decent cover of snow that has allowed us to ski all the way down either side yet the crossing there wasn't an issue.

My brother and I have traversed the full AAWT in winter and we certainly did experience issues with river crossings - primarily in northern Kosci. One creek that was a 3m wide ankle crossing in summer was a 150m flood plain with chest deep water - this cost us easily half a day of travel as we had to walk for a couple of hours upstream before we could cross. Obviously you are already considering strategies and routes which is great. If you are interested you can watch a video that we have just posted on Vimeo of the trip. It is posted in 2 parts as it is quite long. Apologies for this - it was never intended for the web but rather for family & friends.

Part 1: http://vimeo.com/40993132

Part 2: http://vimeo.com/40993133

There is also a large written article below each of the videos a out the experience.

I sincerely wish you both all the best for the trip! It is well worth the effort!! I am sure that we will see lots of successful trips in the near future and I look forward to seeing your images or hearing of your story afterwards.

Mark
Sincerely wish you all the best

Fri 27 Apr, 2012 11:09 pm

Thanks for the support Mark.
Bruce (Wilderness Sports) sent me the links to your videos this week and it was amazing watching you and Andrew crossing all those creeks and rivers and the night navigation. WOW!

Sat 28 Apr, 2012 9:34 am

Thanks Mark, much appreciated. I had a quick look this morning and my Wanderlust again sweeps over me.

Wed 09 May, 2012 12:08 am

Gee I just watched Mark and his brothers video on the Awt what a fantastic video opened my eyes. Well done those men

Thu 10 May, 2012 6:25 pm

Mark_O wrote:Hi Folks,
..
My brother and I have traversed the full AAWT in winter ... If you are interested you can watch a video that we have just posted on Vimeo of the trip. It is posted in 2 parts as it is quite long. Apologies for this - it was never intended for the web but rather for family & friends.

Part 1: http://vimeo.com/40993132
Part 2: http://vimeo.com/40993133
..
Mark
Sincerely wish you all the best

I loved your video Mark. Felt like I was there with you (Maybe it was just the cold Melbourne weather when I watched it

. I am def. going to do the full route soon, though I will prob. do it in two trips, outside of Winter, solo and (hopefully) with a lot less that 35kg on my back. Thanks for the inspiration.

Andrew

Crossing Big River on AAWT (winter)

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