There is an expression that is used in the field of geology - "Angle of Repose." The expression refers to the precarious balance of rock and earth that exists on a talus slope or slide that occurs when objects stop moving downhill. It implies that it wouldn't take much for the slope to resume movement. It's a great description for the 'path' that Peter is looking over in the bottom photo. A large slide had poured down from the ridge above sometime in the distant path, coming to rest at the edge of the stream. It looks pretty open, but the west bank is composed of huge boulders and rotten logs that are balanced in their own angle of repose. It's a spooky feeling to reach out to touch a 500 lb. boulder only to have it slip with a sodden thud to the stream 5 feet below and one foot in front of you. We sloshed across the dam instead, then pushed on upstream through the thick brush. It was just on the other side of the dam that my 'bridge' gave way and I gave up on trying to keep my feet dry.