This is why you need a snorkel....
This picture is #4 piston from my 2010 JK with only 4000 miles on it. Basically I was on a pretty serious trail and the front fender dipped down and water went into the intake without me knowing. And this was the result.

 

But what about ALL the electronics that the new jeeps have..... I don't think water and electricity r friends ... I'm not saying I'm just saying .

 

Yea, something doesnt look right there.

DO you hzve a lift and 35's. Just wondering how deep of a situation you were in at the time.

 

..."....If you really plan to go thru deep water crossings , just don't go fast."

..."DO you hzve a lift and 35's. Just wondering how deep of a situation you were in at the time."

Snorkels aren't just for deep water, and aren't meant to be cosmetic add-ons.
More than once, I crossed what seemed to be shallow muddy water on a moderate trail, and sunk the front wheels into a deeper spot. Never had a hydrolock, but it can and does happen.

The chance for the unexpected or error is always there. Otherwise, no one would pack recovery equipment.
I have 35" and 4" lift, a Jeeps' electronics is quite protected from water, and I wouldn't go fast even in 4" of water. This doesn't make a snorkel redundant.

Not to mention sand dust, or cooler air than what the engine gets from the engine bay.

As for the Donaldson pre-filter --
Rugged Ridge recommend it (the 3") for the high intake.

 

really?? "tons"??

 

Worded that wrong, sorry. A google search of "hydrolocked jk" or any similar variation is enough proof that the poor placement of the stock intake allows for water to be sucked in. Could also be driver error of improperly forging a crossing, but still, why risk making the mistake when a snorkel is cheap insurance

 

Worried about your dash???? Keep your doors shut, you'll be fine..probably.

You want to go under while doorless....that's your deal...

 

^above is a great photo.

 

I have crossed water at nite didn't look deep and was doorless. I had water up to my A-pilar it wasn't a long crossing all our asses got wet dash did not as soon as I was out of the water shut it of checked and rung out the air filter was wet but not to bad started it up and was good. The main thing don't hit the water fast, go slow and you should be fine. And now I check the depth and will be getting a snorkel soon

 

I have had my '11 in mud water that came up to the windows on the doors and thankfully the door seals hold water out pretty good. The one benefit that I can see with a snorkel is you can give it a little more momentum and not worry about a tidal wave coming over the hood. You don't necessarily have to be in deep enough water to crawl trough without a wake.