How to Build a Snow Dome How to Build a Snow Dome
Activities for me have been the key to enjoying the cold and snow. When we get a big snow storm one of my favorite activities is to build a snow dome. This is a project for the whole family.
To build a snow dome you’ll need 30 10-inch sticks or dowels painted black on one end, a sturdy shovel and some patience. Begin making the snow dome by shoveling a mound of snow about 6 feet high and 10 to 12 feet in diameter at the base. If you’re at home and have a snow blower, this can be done very quickly. Simply start walking in a large circle, gradually blowing all the snow to the center. Once the snow is all piled up, push all the sticks (painted end first) into it at about 10-inch intervals, pointing toward the center. Let the mound sit for at least two hours, though overnight would be better. This will allow the snow to settle and consolidate.Using your shovel, cut a 2-foot-high entrance to the mound as close to the ground as possible. Start hol-lowing out the mound, piling the snow at the side of the entrance as a wind barrier. Continue digging until you see the ends of the sticks. You should now have a roomy, peaceful shelter.
Building a Snow Cave
A second type of shelter you can build is the snow cave. It uses the same principles as the snow dome, except that it is built in deep drifts or steep, stable snow slopes. If you decide to build this type, however, please be aware of extreme avalanche danger.
Safety Precautions for Snow Shelters
Begin by digging a tunnel in the drift, angling it upward several feet. Excavate a dome-shaped room at the top of the tunnel following the same techniques as for the snow dome, using sticks pushed into the drifts to indicate the thickness. Smooth the curved roof to remove sharp edges that may cause moisture to drip on you. Before you sleep in your snow dome or cave, follow these safety precautions:
1. Punch out a few holes at a 45 degree angle to the floor with a ski pole or long stick for ventilation. Occasionally check to make sure these holes are still open and that drifting or blowing snow has not blocked them.
2. Never burn a stove or lantern inside as many give off poisonous carbon monoxide gas. Also, they use up available oxygen. Do all of your cooking outside.
3. You may use candles inside your shelter for light and warmth.
Helpful hints
1. Wear appropriate, waterproof clothing. As much as possible, keep the snow brushed off your clothing. Colorful outer clothing will make you more visible in case of an emergency.
2. To avoid losing equipment in the snow, keep everything stored on your sled or in your pack or pockets.
3. As much as possible, keep the entrance to your snow shelter lower than the floor.
4. Be sure to have a plastic ground cloth or mat to sit on so you will stay dry.
