Incident:Strong exit river crossing current resulting in pack loss in Seven Teacups 2026-06-06
| Incident:Strong exit river crossing current resulting in pack loss in Seven Teacups 2026-06-06 | |
|---|---|
| Date | 2026-06-06 |
| Location | Seven Teacups |
| Severity | Gear loss |
| Canyoneering-related | Yes
|
| SAR involvement | No
|
| Navigation problem | No
|
| Swift water problem | Yes
|
| Environmental problem | No
|
| Communication problem | Yes
|
| Planning problem | No
|
| Skills problem | Yes
|
| Body movement problem | No
|
| Rigging problem | No
|
| Rappel problem | No
|
| Insufficient gear | No
|
| Gear failure | No
|
Summary
After completion of the descent of 7TC, the team assessed river crossing and determined that crossing was achievable by some members of the party. After a failed first attempt by a member without a pack, the remaining members attempted regrouping from the rock cropping DCL of 7TC’s exit towards the “beach” area DCR of canyon exit. 2 members hopped off the rocks and headed alongside down river right. One member, the subject, was more aligned towards the center of the river.
The remaining team members noticed the subject being pulled by the edge of the current into the river proper rather than ending up at the “beach”. At this point, the subject was not recoverable by the party upstream. One member downstream that had crossed without gear prior was able to help stabilize the subject behind a major rock; however the subject was pulled back into the stream due to the pack. The subject was reported to go through multiple rapids until they were able to remove their pack and ended up DRR past a small river island. At this point, the one member confirmed the subject was okay, then traveled back upstream to support the rest of the team to make it safely across river via the traditional river crossing point above the canyon exit.
The pack was never recovered; the subject was reached by a member of another party running teacups who was able to set up a float and assisted the subject in riverboarding across the river with fins across a strong current to multiple team members consisting of both parties with pull ropes.
Observations: Incorrect flow assessment - the assessment of the river flow potentially being crossable by some party members may have resulted in a false sense of capability despite other members in the team being incapable of crossing either due to skillset or physicality. A team assessment of risk initially and after the first attempt should have been conducted to abandon crossing at some point and travel upstream, which could have prevented the incident.
Body placement, positioning and pack - As the original intent by the remaining party was to access the beach and set up a line for another swim attempt, the party did not plan on setting up a throw line or needing to have packs off to access the beach area. The subject may have gone closer to the edge of the current believing there was no risk in getting swept in. However, the current and pack was enough to pull the subject into the stream and down the river. Additionally, after initial stabilization, the pack was a major contributing factor toward the subject being pulled back into the current and down the ensuing rapids. In retrospect, the subject also mentioned that the difficulty in removing the pack (despite being a water type pack with releasable straps) was what resulted in their tumbling through multiple rapids. Familiarity of pack release, recognition of loss of control, and higher willingness to drop the pack sooner in high risk scenarios may have prevented the escalation of the incident.
Communication - lack of communication regarding plan of attack for the leading 2 members may have resulted in the subject potentially attempting the swim with a pack after dropping into the river. The other member did not confirm nor communicate potential current risk (including being swept by the edge current into the main current given the path of the river) to all members, including the subject. Clear plan of attack, as well as discussion and assessment by the team as mentioned above could have resulted in opting for safer travel upstream and avoiding the incident all together.