The microscopic plates lock together very convincingly when the water leaves the mud. Digging a hole nearby only speeds the process. A trash pump pumping water in does far more good than a hole.

It is strange stuff. It feels solid underfoot when walking across. Stop and stomp your feet and rock back and forth a bit and water moves into the agitated mud which softens it. That is when you sink.

Just like ketchup in the bottle which pours freely only after being agitated. (Thixotropism)

Mark Begich, Joaquin Jackson, and Heller resistance... Three huge reasons to worry about the NRA.