House collapse? Build a snowcave

If you're living in the Pacific Northwest right now, you might be sitting in non moving traffic. Maybe you're reading this connected to the WiFi of a Starbucks that you slid your car into. Either way, if your house collapses due to the snow, here's what you do:

Build a snow cave.

Generally, when most people hear "snow cave" they think of igloos. But these are two completely different structures.

Igloos are more complicated to construct and require snow that is suitable for cutting. Not the sheer amounts that the area is getting right now. The blocks are usually cut with a snow saw and then stacked in a spiral pattern.

Most beginners find that the roof tends to collapse while building the igloo. So let's stick with the snow cave for now.

Unlike the igloo, a snow cave requires no cutting of the snow. Rather all that is needed is a shovel. When deciding on how to begin construction, there are a few different possibilities.

The first method is to find a snow drift and dig into the side. When using this method, be sure that the drift was not made from snow collecting on a tree, or else you will run into the trunk while digging your cave.

The second is to pile snow, compact it and then hollow it out. This method takes more time and energy, as you have to make sure that the pile is compacted very well, or else the structure will collapse when hollowed.

And the third way is to dig down into the snow and then inward from there. With this method you have to make sure that the snow is deep enough so the vegetation under the snow is not damaged. Depending on where you are, the depth of required snow varies, especially in national parks.

After choosing how you want to dig your shelter, begin by creating an entryway that will allow you to fit into the structure.

Don't make the entry too big, or else the heat created in the cave will be allowed to escape. Once the door is complete, begin to hollow out the cave on all sides.

When hollowing upward, ensure the roof is high enough so that you can sit up, but that there is still three feet of undisturbed snow for the roof and the sides. This will be enough snow to prevent the cave from collapsing. While building the cave, keep the inside of the roof arched for extra strength.

Build a sleeping area that is higher off the ground than the entryway. This will allow any snow to collect below you.

Never sleep directly on the ground, instead put a tarp down and then a closed cell foam pad to lie on. Do not use an air mattress, as the air in the mattress will chill and make you cold as you sleep. The foam will act as an insulator.

Make sure that you create at least one ventilation hole, in addition to the doorway. This will allow for proper ventilation of the structure.

After the structure is complete, make sure you immediately change clothes. Building a snow cave takes time and energy to build, and remember that you will get wet while building it. Not just wet from snow, but also from sweating while working. Wet clothes lead to more problems and could eventually result in hypothermia.

You can also light a small candle or a camp stove inside the structure to create some heat. But never fall asleep without turning your stove off or putting your candle out. Carbon monoxide poisoning can result from a fire burning in an unventilated shelter.

If built properly, a snow cave can serve as a fabulous structure and great home for the night. Snow caving is an exciting experience, and if you're nice, you'll build one for your neighbor too. Cause it's only a matter of time till their roof collapses too.