How To Build a Snow Cave

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If you're stranded outdoors during a blizzard, knowing how to build a snow cave can spell the difference between life and death.

To complete this How-To you will need:

A clear head
Firm snow
Sticks for ventilation

Warning: Because a cave-in could be deadly, snow caves should be built in emergencies only.

Step 1: Stay calm

Stay calm! Panic won't help you survive.

Step 2: Find a snowdrift

Find a snowdrift that will be deep enough to tunnel a hole large enough to lay in and with walls that are at least a foot thick for adequate insulation. If you can't find a drift large enough, you can pack your own pile.

Tip: You must be able to pack the snow to reduce the threat of a cave-in—if you can't make a firm snowball, you can't make a snow cave.

Step 3: Tunnel an entrance

Determine which way the wind is blowing, and tunnel an entrance into the drift on the side that's facing away from it.

Step 4: Create a cold trap

Because heat rises, you'll want the entrance of your cave to be lower than the part where you'll lay. Dig an impression in the entrance to trap the cold air.

Step 5: Create a heat trap

Continue burrowing into the drift so that the main portion of the cave is about a foot higher off the ground than the entrance, creating a heat trap.

Tip: A snow cave is not an igloo—it just needs to be big enough for you to get in and out of and lie in, not walk around or even fully sit up.

Step 6: Ventilate the roof

Use a stick or other pointy object to create two holes several feet apart in the roof for ventilation. Poke them from the outside of the cave if you need to—just make sure they pierce the cave so fresh air can get in.

Step 7: Dig moisture grooves

Dig small grooves in the floor of the cave to drain any moisture caused by your body heat. If the cave gets damp, it will just make you colder.

Step 8: Mark the outside

Mark the outside of the snow cave with some of your belongings so rescuers can find you. If it's still snowing heavily, try to put them in a place they're not as likely to be buried, like hanging from a nearby tree.

Step 9: Get in

When your cave is big and stable enough, get in so you're resting in the upper level. Reach below and pack snow in the entrance to close yourself in and block out the wind.

Step 10: Stay put

Don't leave your shelter until the storm stops or help arrives.

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Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Recreation
• building
• making
• constructing
• snow
• cave
• snowcave
• stranded
• blizzard
• emergency
• shelter

[Rover7898]

the sign on the door thing says "PLEASE DISTURB" lol

[kakainbox]

who notice the sign said PLEASE DISTURB

[michaelNXT1]

he reads WAR AND PEACE, he'll stay there for a long time...

[purplePopsicle10]

where did he get the carot for the snowman?

[kumeahsoi]

Great tips. I just thought "Dig a hole, what else is to it?"

[Nopwn4u]

Step 1. Play Minecraft

[MrMachinimator]

finaly something i can use

[Lord0Delete]

@Rover7898 That's the point, he WANTS to be found :) lol... to be rescued

[LaughOutLoudKristina]

So.. what happened after 13 days? Did they die?

[mchum4567]

My head isn't clear... I can still see it... crap now I can't build a snow cave! :(

[Instucablanator]

he should be wearing a Canada goose :)