fording

Fording is the act of crossing a body of water, such as a river or stream, by wading or driving through shallow water without the aid of a bridge or causeway. A ford is the location where such a crossing is possible. The term has been used for centuries and is common in civil and military contexts. Etymology: from Old English ford, meaning a shallow place where one may go across.

In practice, fording requires assessing water depth, current velocity, bottom conditions, and visibility. Shallow, slow-moving, clear water with a firm bottom may be fordable for pedestrians or light vehicles; deeper or faster water, submerged hazards, or loose, slippery bottoms increase risk. For vehicles, manufacturers often specify a maximum safe depth or provide a scale based on engine intake height. For pedestrians, a length of rod or stick can gauge depth.

Crossing methods include wading on foot, using a staff for balance, or driving through in a suitable vehicle with low ground clearance and proper tires. In military planning, fording is often planned as a temporary river crossing, potentially supported by engineers or ferries, with reconnaissance, water depth measurements, and alternative options such as bridging or rafting considered.

Hazards include drowning, hypothermia, entrapment, and sudden changes in current or weather. Prospective fords may be closed by rules or weather, and many jurisdictions restrict crossings in flood conditions. Overall, fording remains a practical but risk-laden method of crossing water when bridges are unavailable.