How to Make a Simple Igloo
Make a simple igloo to keep yourself safe and warm in icy, snowy, below-freezing temperatures. You only need a tool or two and some very icy, hard-packed snow. Building an igloo is hard work, which will help you warm up quickly. Do not start a fire inside an igloo because it is possible carbon monoxide could build to a lethal level.
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Things You'll Need
- Large knife or snow saw
- Hard, icy, packed snow (several feet deep)
- Ice axe
- Small shovel
Instructions
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1
Cut snow into blocks of about 4-inches-by-16-inches-by-9-inches using a large knife or snow saw. Cut these blocks out from around you in the snow, creating a circular hole around yourself.
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2
Stack the blocks in a circle around the hole while you are standing at the center inside of it. The circle should be small--about 10 feet in diameter or less to make it easier to warm up from your body heat.
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3
Use your saw or knife to create a gradual upward sloping spiral shape in the first row of blocks. This will help you to create a dome structure.
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4
Continue adding layers of blocks, shaping each one with your hands so that the seams meld together and the inside walls are smooth. As you add each layer, make sure they lean in slightly to help create the dome shape.
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5
Dig a tunnel under the bottom of the igloo walls with a small shovel for your exit. The tunnel will allow the sinking cold air to escape as the hot air rises inside to keep you warm.
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6
Poke the final ice block through the hole in the top of the dome, and, using your hands, pack in icy snow in the gaps to help hold it in place. This block should be so large that it will barely fit through the hole.
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Tips & Warnings
You can put a small roof on your exit to prevent snow from blowing into the igloo. You can even take a few blocks and build an ice bed for yourself, if you wish.
Make sure to poke a few holes through the top of your igloo with an ice axe to allow carbon dioxide to escape.
References
- Photo Credit igloo image by Vladislav Gajic from Fotolia.com
