|
|
Building a Snow Cave Can Save Your Life
By Jay A.
Jenkin
If you ever go camping in the mountains and are caught in a snowstorm or
you go snowshoeing in the hills and run into a blizzard, you will
probably need to spend the night on the mountain and wait out the bad
weather. In order to do this and be safe you will need to build a snow
cave. It is a simple, ingenious structure that provides warmth, security
from the elements and other predators, and re-energizes your spirit so
that you don't give up. Here's how to do it:
Let nature work to your advantage. Find a large tree and look at the
base of the trunk to see if enough snow has accumulated to make a slope
down to the bare ground. Snow often gathers in a "bowl" shape around any
large tree so choose a side of this "bowl", essentially a wall, in which
to start digging your snow cave. Begin by cutting a doorway into the
snow with what tools you have. Chances are you probably do not have a
spade or small shovel with you, but if you do, it will be invaluable to
you. If not, your gloved hands are the next best tool. If that does not
work, trying using the bowl from your mess kit. Remember, you are in a
dangerous situation and every tool must be used to its fullest extent.
Make sure to begin digging the doorway of the cave from the ground up.
Begin cutting a hole that is about 24 inches around, big enough so that
you and your friends can to get inside. As you dig, place the unwanted
snow away from the cave. You do not want to place it on top of the cave.
Make sure the roof of the structure is thick and sound. Try not to cut
into the roof too much lest you weaken the cave. As the cave becomes
larger, take a minute to measure how deep you will need it to be. If
there are three of you, make sure that you are digging and carving in
such a way as to create enough room for everyone to lie down.
Next, it is very important that you provide air for yourself. It is
possible to suffocate inside a snow cave. To prevent this, carve a hole
in the ceiling of the cave using a strong stick or other sharp object. A
hole that is two inches in diameter is all you will need, but it is very
important to have. Also, be sure to not carve the hole out from the top
down. Once the cave has been dug out sufficiently and there is enough
room for everyone, carve a hole for air upward from inside the cave. Use
something long enough to make sure the air can pass all the way through.
You can now pack your sleeping bags and backpacks inside and have enough
room to sleep for the night, away from the weather.
A flashlight, lanterns or candles are good for lighting a cave really
well. Use a backpack to block the opening so that snow does not refill
your dwelling. Your body heat will quickly warm the cave, but it will
not be enough to melt the snow inside. Hopefully, the next morning the
storm will have stopped and you will be able to leave. Before you do, be
sure to collapse your snow cave. Take all your belongings out and stamp
the roof down until it collapses. This will insure that no other hiker
comes along later in the year and is injured by falling through what
they might think is solid ground.
These tips can save your life, if you are ever caught in blizzard in the
mountains. Remember to work as quickly as you can and be prudent about
what you are doing and how you are doing it. Survival skills are
necessary in many situations, especially in the wilderness and you can
save yourself from frostbite and other dangers by building a snow cave
when needed.
About the Author:
Jay has been interested in family, finance and health issues for many
years now. Please visit his latest website at
http://usedinverstiontable.net/
which helps people find the best
Used Inversion Table and
information and pricing on all types of different Inversion Tables. |
|
|
