Make a Snow Dome While Enjoying the Adventure
By Dian Thomas A few years ago I had
lots of snow in my backyard. I had heard of building a snow dome
in a backyard, so I recruited a scout troop to come and help me
build one in my own yard. I had sold the idea to one of my producer
on a National Show ABC Show called “The Home Show.”
After we made the snow
dome, the show’s producer asked me to sleep in it. I spent
a few hours taking out sleeping bags and quilts so that I would
not freeze during the night. Finally the night came for my overnight
adventure. I did not freeze, and furthermore I did not even get
cold. As the night went on I took off all the quilts and soon fell
asleep with just a heavy sleeping bag.
If you have a fair amount
of snow and some kids who like adventure, you will not want to miss
this. I loved what I learned and I love the adventure that a few
scouts and I created right in my backyard.
Snow is a good insulator,
and as William O. Douglas said:
One has to lie deep
in the snow to learn how warm and protective it is. A den in the
snow confines the body heat like a blanket or overcoat. It is
a snug place, no matter how the wind may howl. One who holes up
in the snow understands better the mysteries of the woods in the
winter. He knows why the severe weather grouse squirm their way
under soft snow and be quiet. He understands why deer bury themselves
in drifts, lying a half-day or more with just their heads sticking
out. He learns something about the comfort of the bear in hibernation."
(Quoted from The Boy Scout Fieldbook, 3rd edition, page
330, Irving, Texas, 1984.)
To build a snow dome,
you'll need thirty 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 18-inch
intervals, pointing toward the center. Let the mound set for at
least 2 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 hollowing 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.
Author’s rendering of her snow dome.
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.
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 drift 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:
- Punch out a few holes
at a 45° 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.
- 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.
- You may use candles
inside your shelter for light and warmth.
Well, there you have one
of my favorite adventures. My snow dome lasted all winter and did
not go away until the spring thaw.
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