Methods for finding lost flashlight in creek? UPDATE: Found!
 

I watched a $150 flashlight fall out of my pocket and into a rushing creek while hiking a couple days ago. I went in and searched for it, but the rushing water made visual searching impossible and I couldn't find it by touch.

Below is a photo, with the area I dropped it circled. I believe the light sank straight down, and didn't float downstream. In the circled area the water varies from 4-8 inches deep. I'd want to search an area about 3 feet in diameter.

My idea is to bring another bright light to light up underwater, and then use a plastic transparent jar/tub and half submerge it into the creek which will hopefully allow me to see the creek bottom through the jar/tub.

I've considered using a very strong magnet to comb over the creek bottom, but I don't have one strong enough that will attract the magnetic battery inside the non-magnetic aluminum flashlight body.

Are there any other ideas? Perhaps is there some sort of material I can use to temporarily block the flow of water streaming over that area?

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m...psa3e6c015.jpg

Grab some hip waders and gloves and go at it by feel
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off topic but mind telling me where this creek is ? i woud love to go

Sure I'll definitely mention it after I've gone back for a second look. I got a lot of great suggestions from other forums so I think I'll try tomorrow.

Suggestions are to shift rocks or use sandbags to dam up the rushing water over the area I want to search. Should make the water more calm and easier to view through. Also going to try and take some gloves and maybe chemical hand warmers. Last time I tried hand searching my fingers went numb after 30 seconds so I couldn't feel a thing.

Metal detectors have been suggested but it seems cost and training prohibitive.

for a free $150 flashlight ;) ?

get those long retractable magnets used for finding loose screws? (assuming flashlight isn't aluminum) I mean it's only 1ft deep

get like a broomstick and gently stir the area scraping the bottom and see if you hit something and have a net ready to scoop it up? something like a pool cleaning net but smaller so it can fit in that small area.

use a super strong magnet tie to a string.

:lol

that must be some kick ass flashlight for $150 :ahwow:

link to flashlight :D

Must mean fleshlight :troll:
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For those interested, I imagine it's something like these


there are lots of useful n pricey flashlights :)


sorry for diverting the path of the thread Jlo Mein but It seemed like a good idea to get all the curiosity out of the way :)
If it were me I'd just count the flashlight as lost I'd be more worried about hurting myself trying to find it ;)

I FOUND IT!!!

Thanks for all the help guys. Building a dam with rocks was actually quite an effective method. I was able to get the water calm enough to see through, and using another flashlight I lit up the entire rockbed.

After being under almost a foot of water for a week I was surprised that it still worked. Lubricated o-ring seals held up fine, no water got inside.

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m...psac620054.jpg

FYI it's a Surefire E1e with a custom high CRI LED drop in module. Here's a map of where I found it. (the purple drop pin area, the blue dot was incorrect). The trail splits off a gravel vehicle road near the Lynn Canyon parking lot.

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps4af8ae2f.jpg

Not even in the slightest bit surprised that it still works. In my experience without a doubt the best constructed flashlights in the world.

greenstoner's no longer interested in going there :troll:

glad you were able to find it again.

I was going to suggest bringing a feasible size board so you can hopefully divert the stream of water upstream of the rocks so the water will be less violent in hope you can get a better look.

glad you figured it out:)
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so it was a surefire :fullofwin:

teh internets
helping you recover lost flashlight in a creek bed since 2013

The worst feeling is knowing exactly where you lost something, but being unable to retrieve it!

Glad to hear you got it back. :)

op delivers.

now i kinda want a 150 dollar flashlight.

You'd kinda assume that at $150 they would at least waterproof it. Even if they didn't, the wiring in a flashlight is pretty basic so some new batteries and some air drying and it would likely be fine.