NightBloomer wrote:
We don't get that kind of snow. It sounds intriguing.
Do you dig it out for the shelter, or do you pile it up and make a roof?
It depends on how much snow there is. If there is a lot of snow and large drifts, it is easiest to tunnel into the drift. The packed snow helps with the integrity.
A good method when the snow isn't deep enough is to take some tree branches and make a hut big enough for you to be in, cover it with a space blanket or plastic sheeting, then pile snow on top. This is like making a debris shelter, but the snow has better insulating qualities.
Another good thing about the second method is if you dig the snow off the ground where you will be laying, you will be able to heat up a few rocks with a fire and it will stay toasty in there for the night. If you have snow on the floor it will just make a wet mess on the ground that could cause you problems, and the rocks won't stay warm nearly as long.
