The fords on the PCT were like that, too, in some cases (Evolution Creek comes to mind). Heck, just in Lost Creek Wilderness on a weekend backpack, I've done stream fords up to my waist. Guess, I am saying, a waist high stream ford is challenging..but not overly so.
Granted, I am looking at from the viewpoint of a reasonably experienced backpacker. Definitely not a trail for a new-b hiker..but not an epic THERE BE DRAGONS trek that the phrase 'faint of heart' seems to imply.
Just an opinion anyway.
Would not be the first, or last, time my opinion was wrong.
Just hate to scare off people who may lose out on a great experience...
But, yeah..not a trail for a new hiker who quibbles over if following the blue blazes out of an AT shelter violates their thru-hike! (??!?!?!?)