I'd like to get some feedback on what is a good winter survival shelter.

My local SAR team did shelter training last weekend, about 8 of us, in two man teams, built 6 shelters. That was a great experience. But a shelter for SAR needs may be different from a stranded day hiker.

SO, if the scenario was: Out with friends for a day os snowing. Carrying good gear and wearing good winter clothing, Not lost, 1 foot of powder on a 6 foot base, starting to snow hard, probably won't make it to the trail head today? What kind of shelter would you build to stay overnight?

Thank you,

Blake
www.outdoorquest.biz

the snow mound igloo type thing..


sort of like this..


a game of chest to while away the hours would help.
a fellow down the street has a yard full of these and has cocoa and cookies out for visitors--

Given your snow depth, my first choice would be a snow cave, although time and terrain could be an issue. A quinze could be considered, as well.

Your question is a bit general. You specify "good gear," which to my mind would very likely include a tent; it most certainly would contain an adequate shovel. Even without a tent, certainly a bivvy sack would be there. Doubtless there is a stove as well. My second choice would be to deploy the bivvy sacks in a sheltered location, perhaps build a wind wall and try and provide overhead protection; otherwise periodically dig out from under the snow.

Are we talking mountainous or flat terrain? Are avalanches an issue??

What would be the differences between a shelter for SAR workers vs a stranded day hiker (other than size, most likely)? I'm just curious.....

That is a good looking shelter! Where are the TV and hot showers?

For me good winter gear includes extra food, clothing, gloves, tent for the environment, sleeping bag and snow shovel, and extra gloves. And gloves . Yes, that's my dayhike kit. I wouldn't plan on digging a snow shelter or erecting an igloo, that's a lot of work without alot of free Scout labor, I'd rather look for a tree well, dig that out, and pitch a tent for the night. You can't throw a rock and not find a tree well in the PNW, short of that I'd rather hunker down my tent in a semi-recessed snow bank and build up snow around it to keep the wind to a minimum. Digging a shelter expends alot of energy you might need later, and makes you sweat buckets, possibly compromising your body warmth. Carry adequate shelter and supplies, and concentrate on staying warm, dry, and getting out of the cold, hydrating, and heating up dinner. Then wake up, and walk out.

My thought on the different shelter is that SAR will ideally come in for a quick extraction and remove the subjects by snow machines or sleds and get them out quickly.

We are trained to hunker down if need be and build a shelter.

My personal opinion of course.

Great pictures. Thank you. How long did that snow cave take to make.

Hike and rest of the gang..the TV and showers are down the street at our house!..this is the work of a younger fellow who's home serves as a depot for the camping gear used by a local club that takes "city kids" out camping.

he has a open house for the neighbors and we drop by for cocoa and snacks and a look at his snow huts.he does this every year and with all the snow we have he really got into it.
he and his family and friends have sleep outs,with three of these there is lots of room.i would say they are about six feet high and maybe 10-12 square.the snow this year was just right for making blocks,he did a demo for us and it took just a minute with a plastic snow shovel to carve one out.he uses a grass sickle to dig and shape some parts and has glass windows with curtains on the sides.


lots of smoke in this last photo but it will give you an idea of the size and layout of this neat winter project!!

I've got to say, that is one cool shelter...

Nice job! Looks like lots of fun.

I would probably go with a covered snow trench. Less wet to dig (beyond sweat) and the 6 ft base would work really well. Look for already downed branches to cover, tarp would be better. Lots of powder to layer on top for insulation.

Bill