>So what can a vanagon safely get through? Mine's is an '84 standard
>watercooled westie >generally loaded with kids, babies and shopping.

the problem isn't so much the depth of the water, but a few other
things.
firstly, it's the FLOW of the water ... moving water can push your car
sideways VERY easily, especially if it gets enough 'grip' on the
vehicle. like hitting the wheels deep enough. if the water is flowing
moderately fast, i'd avoid getting into it at all unless it was only a
couple of inches deep. flowing water even six inches deep can be
dangerous.

then there's the problem of steam from the exhaust ... if you get into
water deep enough to touch the exhaust pipes, there'll be some steam
generated, and that steam will go up into your engine compartment. and
it's very likely that the steam will get into the distributor ... and
your engine just stops. right in the middle of the water. :( luckily,
this isn't a terribly big issue for 4-speeds ... you can put it into
gear and use the starter to get out of the water (assuming the water
isn't wider than a bus-length), then with your trusty roll of paper
towels that you keep inside your bus at all times, you can clamber
back to the rear and open the engine compartment lid (after you've
moved all the kids, babies, shopping goodies, dogs, and spare parts),
and dry out the inside of the distributor. it can be done cause i've
done it. :)  but it is a REAL pain.

so ... if it's NOT flowing, just kinda puddling, and it's less than 7
inches (giving an inch for safety) or 175mm, you could PROBABLY make
it. but that deep, i dunno ... i think i'd wait til it recedes a bit
more.

just my opinion, and i know it's all wet. :)
unca joel