Snow caves

[cclman]

Hey guys. Like my previous post,I am going on a winter camp out. I was wondering how to build a snow cave, Any suggestions would be great

[Stosh]

Walk out a large "donut" in the snow.

 

Pile all the donut snow into the hole area piling it up as much as possible. The bigger the pile the more it will sleep.

 

Wait 2-3 hours for the snow to self pack.

 

Stick small sticks of 12" into the pile of snow all over from the outside

 

Dig a hole for an entrance all the way to the middle of the pile.

 

Hollow out the inside until the inside of most of the sticks are found.

 

If it is "warm" make sure the boys wear their rain gear to keep from getting too wet.

 

Pile up the snow around the entrance to block any wind.

 

Lay out a waterproof tarp on the floor. Add pads and bedding.

 

Do not allow any flames in the snow cave. While the "tent" doesn't burn, the sleeping bags and gear will.

 

After everyone is in for the night, block the entrance to keep any wind from coming directly in. Do not seal it off. Poke a small hole or two in the ceiling if one is concerned about ventilation.

 

Stosh

[The Blancmange]

Here's a link with a pic as well:

http://www.wintercampers.com/wintercamperscom-home/winter-camping-skills/how-to-build-a-quinzee/

[GernBlansten]

Stosh has it right, I would only add that while hollowing out the shelter, create a sleeping bench(s) at or above the highest point of the door opening and a trough between the benches to funnel cold air down to the opening. You should also keep the opening as small as possible. Vent holes are only necessary if you plan on using the shelter for several days. First night there is plenty of porosity of the snow to allow gas transfer. After a few nights, it ices up and no longer allows air exchange.

 

I personally don't use the sticks anymore, instead gauging wall thickness on the luminosity of the snow. When you start seeing glowing blue snow, don't dig there anymore. But it takes practice.