Backcountry Emergencies
Quicksand
This page presents some basic information on dealing with quicksand while hiking and backpacking in canyon country.
Quicksand may occur where there is the presence of water oozing upwards through loose sand. In canyon country, this can be in the bottom of sandy washes or along streams. The water keeps the sand grains in suspension and recent discoveries indicate that the presence of salt is necessary. In some instances there may be a crust of dry sand covering the looser wet sand below. If you step in quicksand:
- Do not struggle. Trying to lift one food makes the second food sink deeper, as all of the weight is placed on one foot.
- Drop to your hands and knees and try to crawl slowly. The surface created by your hands, knees, and legs will distribute your weight over a wider area, making it more difficult to sink.
- If the quicksand is too soft and you feel that you are still sinking, lie flat on your stomach and move only one part of your body at a time. Try to float out of the quicksand by using snake like movements.
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