Snow cave
Encyclopedia
A snow cave is a shelter constructed in snow by certain animals in the wild, human mountain climbers
, winter recreational enthusiasts, and winter survivalists. It has thermal properties similar to an Igloo
and is particularly effective at providing protection from wind as well as low temperatures. A properly made snow cave can be 0 °C (32 °F) or warmer inside, even when outside temperatures are −40 °C (−40 °F).
A snow cave is constructed by excavating snow such that the entrance tunnel enters below the main space to retain warm air. Construction is simplified by building it on a steep slope and digging slightly upwards and horizontally into the slope. The roof is domed to prevent dripping on the occupants. Adequate snow depth, free of rocks and ice, is needed. Generally at 120 or 150 cm (4 or 5 feet) is sufficient. The snow must be consolidated, so that it retains its structure. The walls and roof should be at least 30 cm (12 inches) thick. A small pit may be dug deeper into one part of the cave floor to provide a place for the coldest air to gather, away from the occupant(s), and the entrance may be partially blocked with chunks of snow to block wind and retain heat, although it is vital to prevent drifting snow from completely plugging the rest of the entrance in order to maintain a constant air supply.
A narrow entrance tunnel, a little wider than the species using the cave, leads into the main chamber which consists of a flat area, perhaps with elevated sleeping platform(s), also excavated from snow. Most sources agree that using tools such as a shovel and ice axe
are vital; digging by hand is for emergencies only.
Mountaineering
Mountaineering or mountain climbing is the sport, hobby or profession of hiking, skiing, and climbing mountains. While mountaineering began as attempts to reach the highest point of unclimbed mountains it has branched into specialisations that address different aspects of the mountain and consists...
, winter recreational enthusiasts, and winter survivalists. It has thermal properties similar to an Igloo
Igloo
An igloo or snowhouse is a type of shelter built of snow, originally built by the Inuit....
and is particularly effective at providing protection from wind as well as low temperatures. A properly made snow cave can be 0 °C (32 °F) or warmer inside, even when outside temperatures are −40 °C (−40 °F).
A snow cave is constructed by excavating snow such that the entrance tunnel enters below the main space to retain warm air. Construction is simplified by building it on a steep slope and digging slightly upwards and horizontally into the slope. The roof is domed to prevent dripping on the occupants. Adequate snow depth, free of rocks and ice, is needed. Generally at 120 or 150 cm (4 or 5 feet) is sufficient. The snow must be consolidated, so that it retains its structure. The walls and roof should be at least 30 cm (12 inches) thick. A small pit may be dug deeper into one part of the cave floor to provide a place for the coldest air to gather, away from the occupant(s), and the entrance may be partially blocked with chunks of snow to block wind and retain heat, although it is vital to prevent drifting snow from completely plugging the rest of the entrance in order to maintain a constant air supply.
A narrow entrance tunnel, a little wider than the species using the cave, leads into the main chamber which consists of a flat area, perhaps with elevated sleeping platform(s), also excavated from snow. Most sources agree that using tools such as a shovel and ice axe
Ice axe
An ice axe, is a multi-purpose ice and snow tool used by mountaineers both in the ascent and descent of routes which involve frozen conditions. It can be held and employed in a number of different ways, depending on the terrain encountered...
are vital; digging by hand is for emergencies only.
External links
- PsychoVertical Snow shelters for climbers
- PBSkids.com Denali for kids Survival Skills: Building a Snow Cave
- Outdoors With Dave Building Snow Caves for Fun & Recreation
- Traditional Mountaineering Why are snow caves dangerous?