The mountain streams and small rivers of Vermont are one of the state's treasures. These streams, which hold copious water all year, are a huge draw to people looking to fish, swim, wade, dive, and explore. These activities are an important part of the summer in Vermont and other areas with mountain streams, and by all means people should be enjoying these places. However, they need to do so with respect for the fact that these waterways change fast, and can be quite dangerous at times.
This month
a tragedy struck at the Bolton Potholes when a 12 year old boy drowned. Another tragedy was narrowly averted when
two people were rescued from Huntington Gorge. There are many factors that can lead to danger, including dangerous cliff diving, drunken exploits into dangerous waters, or just bad luck. One of the strongest factors, it seems, and one that is also often not well understood, is just how quickly these rivers and streams change during and after summer storms.
