Years when the high mountains receive an abnormal snow-fall the river rises to abnormal heights and at such times the depth of water in the Grand Canyon is enormous and the velocity appalling.

Ordinarily the current varies from three miles per hour to twenty or mere.
Our method of navigating was to go with caution.

A landing was made above every rapid where possible, and the rapid inspected.

Sticks were thrown in when practicable and watched to find the set of the main current which was the one we tried to follow.

If it dashed against a cliff, our plans were laid accordingly.
We went into a rapid with as little headway as possible, and often executed "back-water" to retard the boat.