Pouring steps down to the creek/swimming hole...nope, never done it before!

[Streetcar]

Concrete stairs should have negligible effect on the riprap and filter fabric. You are slightly reducing the capacity of the stream . Worst effects will be when the channel is just at point of overtopping

 

[Streetcar]

So does a bridge abutment. It still scours. Unless it's bolted to bedrock or on deep pilings, if the water comes fast enough long enough, it washes out.

Many bridges use spread foundations on existing soil. They are designed that bottom of foundation is below the anticipated scour. The rebar along the length makes stairs act as a beam and the foundation protects the stairs from scour

 

[MotorSeven]

I have answers to the questions raised, but I need to diagram it. Both staircases will be in locations that are behind an outcropping or a 2x2x6 concrete pig wall that is 8' tall. I have taken notice of the gravel migration and collection points and am positioning the staircases where the most gravel accumulates. This in no way guarantees that all this stays the same as Mother Nature likes to shake things up.

I seriously considered temp stairs that could be moved seasonally, but nixed that because a flash flood would sweep them away before I could get down there to move them. Also, they then would not be available during the Indian summers and moderate spring days. It's also kind of a safety thing having access to the deep pool at any time of year.

Pictures will help the questions and will be forthcoming. Today the Wrangle JKU threw a low oil pressure code, so I had to hook the trailer and go get it to take to the dealership as it’s still under warranty. Long story, but it killed all of the afternoon.

 

[Streetcar]

What is a pig wall, pictures please

 

[MotorSeven]

Rough sketch, pics of site later today:

S.H.= Swimming Hole

 

[NoTrespassing]

My folks had 2 steel ibeams with steps welded in between at their river place. Water level varied 25 ft and those stairs never moved. The hand rail would get damaged by large treetrunks during floods.

 

[MotorSeven]

I considered a handrail, but for the reason you stated I am not putting them in. Maybe a removable one later....

 

[ray66v]

Looks like a nice challenge.

I would enjoy that.

Yeah, laying out stairs is a pain. And, just when I get to where my head is able to deal with all the factors, I get the stairs done, and pretty much forget it all again, because I don't do it oftern enough!

 

[MossRoad]

I built one set of stairs in my life. It came out perfect. I retired a winner. Don't want to mess up my streak!

Good luck with your project.

 

[2manyrocks]

In an emergency, some rescue people would use a rope ascender and descender to get to someone and pull them out, particularly if they are unable to climb out on their own.

another semi permanent way might be to build a ladder using galvanized cable.

There was an elaborate stair system down to the river at one of the area Tennessee state parks that washed out a few years ago that hasn’t been replaced. Lotsa concrete and steel……