Canyoning Safety Guide

1. Weather and Flash Floods

Flash floods are the #1 killer in canyons. Water levels can rise from ankle-deep to torrential in minutes, trapping canyoners with no escape.

Weather Assessment

• Check multi-day forecast: Not just for the canyon, but the entire drainage basin
• Thunderstorms: Avoid canyons if storms are predicted. Even distant storms can flood canyons
• Recent rain: Wait 24-48 hours after heavy rain for water levels to drop
• Snow melt: Spring runoff can make alpine canyons dangerous
• Time of day: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in mountains - start early

2. Group Management

Never Go Alone

Minimum group size: 3 people. If someone is injured, one person stays while another goes for help. Solo canyoning is extremely dangerous and not recommended.

Team Composition

• Experience level: At least one experienced canyoner per group
• Physical fitness: Entire team must be capable of the descent
• Skills: Everyone should know basic rope work and swimming
• Communication: Agree on signals and procedures before entering

Buddy System

• Pair up - watch your buddy, especially at jumps and rappels
• Account for everyone before moving to next section
• Never leave someone behind

3. Route Planning & Information

• Research the canyon: Read beta, guidebooks, recent trip reports
• Know the escape routes: Identify points where you can exit early
• Estimate time: Add 50% buffer - things always take longer
• Inform someone: Leave your plan with a responsible person. Set a check-in time
• Maps and navigation: Bring waterproof maps, GPS, and know how to use them

4. Technical Skills & Risk Management

Rappel Safety

• Anchor assessment: Always inspect and test anchors before use
• Backup systems: Use safety tethers when rigging rappels
• Rope checks: Inspect rope for damage before each rappel
• Communication: Clear commands between the person on rope and anchor manager
• One at a time: Never have multiple people on the same rope segment

Water Safety

• Hydraulics and keepers: Avoid recirculating currents - they can trap and drown you
• Jumping: Check depth first, feet-first entry only, avoid unknown jumps
• Swimming position: Feet downstream, on your back in current
• Cold water: Hypothermia sets in quickly - monitor yourself and teammates

5. Emergency Preparedness

First Aid Kit

Carry a waterproof first aid kit with:

• Bandages, gauze, tape
• Pain relievers, antihistamines
• Emergency blanket (hypothermia treatment)
• Personal medications
• Knowledge to use it - take a wilderness first aid course

Emergency Procedures

• Stop and assess: Don't panic. Evaluate the situation
• Treat injuries: Stabilize injured person(s)
• Signal for help: Whistle, mirror, cell phone if available
• Self-rescue vs. waiting: Know when to try escaping vs. waiting for rescue
• Emergency contacts: Know local rescue services (many canyons have no cell coverage)

Self-Rescue Skills

Learn and practice these before you need them:

• Ascending a fixed rope (prusik or ascenders)
• Extracting someone stuck on rappel
• Building emergency anchors
• Basic rescue knots

6. Environmental Awareness

• Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash, human waste included
• Respect wildlife: Canyons are sensitive ecosystems
• Anchor ethics: Don't damage rock - use existing bolts or natural anchors
• Permits: Obtain required permits (some canyons have quotas)

Know Your Limits