Do you need a shelter in the snow?Do you plan to camp out in the snow?Are you trying to build the best snow fort in town?Would you like to relax?Make sure you follow the steps carefully so your snow cave won't collapse on you.You can make a snow cave if you put in a few hours of hard work and the snow conditions are good.
Step 1: Areas of rockfall or windy slopes are not recommended.
Don't dig a snow cave if you're in the path of a rockfall.Slopes with the wind blowing against them could be dangerous if you are staying overnight, as blowing snow could block access to the outside air.
Step 2: You can find an area with snow.
A lot of work will be done for you if you can find a snowdrift at least five feet deep.The wind blew the snow against the slope.You need an area large enough to house many people.Two or three people are comfortable in a ten foot cave.
Step 3: Determine the consistency of the snow.
Light, powdery snow can be difficult to work with.If you have time to pile it up and wait for the snow to hardened, you will be able to make a snow cave.
Step 4: If the conditions aren't right, consider a trench.
If you have to dig a trench in the snow, you can use a tarp to cover it.The tarp should be put up with ski poles or branches stuck in the snow.This will not provide the same warmth as a snow cave and could be buried in a snowstorm.
Step 5: You need the clothing and equipment.
If you are in the wilderness, you need warm, waterproof clothing.If your clothing gets wet while digging, it's a good idea to remove one or two dry under-layers of clothing.The construction of the snow cave will be easier with a compact snow shovel or two.A candle or other small flame source can be used if you remember to create a hole in the wall.In this article, there are more Ventilation holes described.
Step 6: A friend can help.
It is highly recommended to have at least two people build a cave together.One person with a spare shovel should be kept outside of the cave.If the cave collapses, the person on the outside can shovel away the snow to save the trapped person.
Step 7: Work in a methodical way.
If you have more than one person, take breaks for eating and drinking.If you work slowly but efficiently, you will be warmer and safer than if you rush the job.Sweating can cause heat loss.
Step 8: The snow should be piled up if necessary.
If the snowdrifts in your area are deep enough, you'll need to shovel it into a pile at least five feet tall, and large enough to fit the number of people it will shelter.A quick way to pile up snow is to find a short slope and use your shovel to push the snowdrift down to the base of the slope.If you have a snow cave, be aware of taller slopes with additional snowdrifts higher up.
Step 9: The snow should be packed firmly.
If you want to pack the snow pile, you can stomp on it with snowshoes or lay a plywood board over it.If the snow is light and powdery, you may want to pack it down several times as you create a snow pile.
Step 10: It's best to allow two or more hours for the cold air to come in.
It will reduce the risk of the cave collapsing on you while you dig it out.If the snow is dry and powdery, you may need to wait up to 24 hours.
Step 11: There is a tunnel that can be dug in the snow.
If you made a snow pile, dig a tunnel that is wide enough to crawl through and several feet deep.If you are digging into a deep snowdrift, you need to dig a tunnel at the base of the trench for you to stand in.If you have a compact snow shovel, this may be easier.If you want to build a snow cave for fun and don't mind taking extra time, you can dig a doorway several feet tall instead of a tunnel.Once you've completed the snow cave, wall up most of the doorway and leave a tunnel to exit through.
Step 12: Ski poles or branches should be stuck in the snow pile.
These objects should be stuck into the snow pile.When digging out the snow cave, stop when you see objects.Without this guideline, you could accidentally dig the ceiling too thin, expose your snow cave to the elements, or even cause a collapse.
Step 13: The dome of the cave needs to be knocked out.
You can shovel snow from the center of the pile.If you have enough room for your whole body at the end of the tunnel, you can use your feet to push the snow through it.The sides should be thicker than the ceiling.The entrance of the cave should be higher than the floor.As the cold air gathers in the entrance tunnel, this will keep the sleeping area warm.
Step 14: Pour water over the outside of the cave.
Water can be poured over the outside of the cave if the temperature is below freezing.The ice will create a stronger structure.If the temperature is above freezing, don't pour water over the cave.
Step 15: Smooth the inside roof and walls.
Make the cave smooth by removing the walls and roof.Water will trickle onto the cave floor, instead of being directed down the walls to gather around the edges.If it's still a problem, carve grooves in the walls.
Step 16: The outside of the cave should be marked.
Use branches or brightly colored gear to mark the edge of your cave.This could help people find the cave again, and stop them from walking on the roof and causing a collapse.If you are in an emergency situation waiting for a rescue, make sure the gear is visible from the air.
Step 17: Carve in benches and sleeping areas if necessary.
The higher the sleeping platforms are, the warmer you will be as cold air will sink below the bench.You may want to create a trench to make sitting or standing easier.
Step 18: You can create holes.
Snow caves can become quite insulated from the outside air if there is a layer of ice on the inside wall.To prevent suffocation, use a ski pole or other long object to create an angle hole at the slanting edge of the roof.Make sure the hole goes all the way through the roof.If the air feels stuffy, you may want to cover the hole with a snowball, then remove it if you feel unwell.Before you go to sleep, remove the object.
Step 19: The ground should be covered with insulation.
To slow the escape of warmth, place pine branches on the floor of the cave.inflatable pads may not keep you warm in cold weather, so sleep on camping pads.
Step 20: You should move your shovels indoors.
If there is a collapse or a blocked entrance, make sure you have shovels in the cave so you can dig yourself out.During a storm, shovel the entrance out.If too much warm air is escaping through the entrance, block it with a backpack or other easily removed object.You can hide from animals such as mountain lions and bears if you don't wall yourself up.