How to Build a Snow Cave for Camping
During the winter months, camping can be a wonderful experience. Winter brings cold temperatures, bleak landscapes and even snow. Camping in such harsh conditions can be a test of will and endurance. Typical tents and camping methods don't translate well to cold winter conditions. Building a snow cave can add warmth and security during an outing.
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Instructions
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1
Locate a suitable area for the snow cave. The area should be flat and offer a solid foundation for the snow to be built on. Clear all rocks and debris from the area.
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2
Decide what type of snow cave will be built. Snow caves can be built into piled snow, dug into a large mound of snow or dug down into a solid layer of snow.
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3
Pile snow at least 6 feet high and allow the snow to pack for at least 2 hours before digging into it.
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4
Dig into an existing snow bank that is at least 5 feet high. Higher banks are better to dig into. Hollow out an area within the snow bank for sleeping. Place an object on the top of the snow cave to indicate the cave's location.
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5
Create a shaft that angles down into the deeply packed snow. Keep digging until the shaft is at least 10 feet. Begin removing snow until a hollow area for camping exists. Place a vent hole into the roof of the structure.
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Tips & Warnings
Smooth out the interior portion of the roof to prevent dripping of ice water.
Bring and light candles in the snow cave. Make temporary shelves into the snow cave wall to hold the candles. This provides heat as well as light.
Take along a small brush to sweep away snow and debris from shoes and clothing before entering the snow cave.
Always place a vent hole in the roof of every snow cave to prevent the build up of dangerous gasses.
Push ski poles into snow just outside of the snow cave's entrance to better locate the door.
