Unknown road condition question.

[Lives2hunt]

So your in an area you've never been before and the roads are mostly muddy with some deep ruts & some parts of the road washed away altogether. Since you don't know what is beneath the water & just how deep, how do you proceed?

[SURVEYOR]

I don't!!!! Not until I check it out! Get off the ride, get a stick, and walk until you know what's in front of you! It's better to be smart and dirty then be broken up and dirty!

[Lives2hunt]

I guess this is another newby question all you veteran ATVers never have to think twice about. Since I don't have much experience, I drove at a fast pace through the water "hopeing" the bottom was firm enough & not too deep to have to go swimming. The Honda never had any problems no matter what we went through. I can't remember when I've had so much fun. I discovered I didn't need to go fast but just keep moving & try to keep at least one of the rear wheels on whatever wasn't covered up with water.  These things are awesome!!!  

[markc]

possibly most of the regular posters on this forum are away hunting.  I know I have been.  I usually ride areas I am somewhat or very familiar with.  When I do ride a new location and come upon a water obstacle, I either skirt it, or do as Surveyor said, and check it out before proceeding.  To hit the gas steer straight ahead and hope for the best might be a foolish thing if there is a serious hazard beneath the water surface, like a solid tree stump or something dumped in there.  It can make the stop rather sudden and the injuries rather painful.   Can you tell I've done that before?  Long time ago.   

[Lives2hunt]

So you've been there and done that Mark? I've got a lot to learn thats for sure. I appreciate everyones helpful insight and I would much rather play it safe everytime too. I was thinking about you guys though and curious how the pros who wouldn't know that road would approach it & drive it. That particular road was one that I had been down a few times before in my truck but never when it was that wet, wouldn't have even tried it in my 2WD old truck. Well keep giving me good advice because Ii do need it & appreciate it.

[markc]

In my younger days I made quite a few mistakes off road.  Now that I am older, and the toys have gotten more expensive (now that I am paying for them) I tend to go slower until I am sure of the terraine.  Repair costs and slow healing injuries tend to make me more cautious than I once was...

[wncchester]

A few years back a friend in Virginia reminded me of what my grandpa once said, "Be careful boy, you can't tell how deep a mud-hole is by looking at the top."   

He had driven his small jap[ piclup down a logging road and reached an easy crossing of a narrow creek.  He thought.  It was narrow but deep, the truck stopped with the water level on the windshield, the rear tires were just in the water.  He says he plans to test the depth of any unknown water BEFORE he tries to cross it now.

[markc]

Sounds wise to me to check it out first if there is a chance of it being too deep.  Alot of people in the hill country lose their lives from driving through water across the roads.  It just doesn't take much depth if the water is moving fast to wash you right off the road or trail.  Still water in a mud hole, well it might not be as dangerous, but it can sure ruin your hunting or exploring trip in a hurry, especially if you are traveling alone with no help around.   Stay safe, Happy Thanksgiving...