How to make a quinzhee



How to make a quinzhee, a snow shelter: This shelter is better for areas where the snow isn't deep. Here's how to build one:

Credit: Clayton Hanmer

Shovel snow

Create a rounded mound about 12 feet across and six feet high.

Credit: Clayton Hanmer

Make it solid

Pat down the outside of the snow to help it consolidate. If you have time, let the snow settle for a few hours.

Credit: Clayton Hanmer

Find some twigs

Collect two dozen twigs and insert them into the mound to a depth of at least 12 inches. They should be spaced evenly and will let you gauge the thickness of the dome when you are digging from the inside.

Credit: Clayton Hanmer

Open it up

Dig an entrance tunnel into the most protected side of the mound.

Credit: Clayton Hanmer

Hollow out the inside

Leave the excavated snow near the entrance to act as a windbreak.

Credit: Clayton Hanmer

Finish it up

Stop digging when you see the ends of the twigs from the inside.

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