Well so far this year, it has been a relatively dry winter, so most of the leaves, especially on the surface are dry (some underlying leaves were damp to wet). Unfortunately, dry leaves, tend to crumple and therefore I would suspect they would offer little insulative properties. On the other hand, which I did not test out since no open fires are permitted, was if the leaves would offer a good tinder option.

There were a number of downed trees, which I am sure were in various stages of decay and would likely have some punked wood or fungus for tinder. There was and continues (lots of brush fires this time of the year) to be a significant amount of dry underbrush, twigs/branches for tinder and kindling.

Plenty of large rock faces in which to reflect heat back.

Very little running water, as most small streams are dry right now.

Pete