Snow Trench Shelter

A simple shelter you can make in deep snow conditions. This type of shelter will allow you to shelter yourself below the snow and wind level and use the snow’s insulating qualities.

Location:
Look for a site against a hillside or any natural structure that may add additional protection from wind. If this is not an option, you can still build this shelter in a drift or wherever the snow is deep and soft enough to dig to an adequate depth.

STEP 1:
Dig / clear away the snow about 3 to 4 feet down. If the snow were not deep enough to allow for a trench, just dig down to bare ground and use nearby snow to build up walls around the trench. Pack the walls as thick as possible. The thicker the walls, the more insulation, and protection you will have. Make the trench a little wider than your shoulders and a little longer than your height. The smaller the space, the less body heat you will lose warming that space. One end of the trench will be left open for the entrance.

STEP 2:
Smooth the inside walls and compact any loose snow. You should insulate your body from the cold ground. Gather any insulating material you can find to use as lining for floor.

STEP 3:
Skis, poles, or long branches can be used as roof supports. Lay them over the top of the trench adding smaller branches in between and on top to cover up the gaps & spaces. Cover with debris, bark, a tarp or whatever is available. Finish by further insulating and place snow over this for a thick ceiling. Fill any cracks with loose snow being sure to leave a hole on the roof for adequate ventilation.

STEP 4:
After you crawl in for the night, you want to block the entrance of your shelter. In order to keep it warm, try to form as tight a seal as possible. You can fill the entrance with, boughs, a jacket or backpack, and cover with as much loose snow as it will hold. This will provide an insulated shelter for the night.