Snow Shelter Sleeping (and last night's slumber)

[paleojoe]

Their bodies were found after the spring thaw.

Coroners report concluded they had aspyxiated from the build up of Carbon dioxide at the bottom of the snow cave :thumbdn:

Air vents are a good point to mention!
If the candle goes out, not enough air...


You'd be surprised how common finding bodies in the Spring 'Break-up' was
in Alaska when I was young!

Not just from snow shelters but from the massive snow heaps piled in parking lots or about the town.

It was common to hear tales about a 'warmed-up whistler' headed out of the local bar to take a leak on the snow piles or even lean up against them for a second or two and then pass out, only to be covered by the nights' snow....
Then a frozen hand as the snow melted in Spring...




Also, I remember using all sorts of various tools when we would play around building snow shelters. A typical wood saw or equivalent literally cut the time in half and created blocks that we also used. A pick, hoe, or chisel can also be helpful. I also remember using the equivalent of fishing line with handles to cut blocks...

Another thing a saw/block method provided was a smooth walled shelter, that didn't drip from uneven or 'choppy' surfaces, or flake off bits from contact or just plain weak spots...


This also brings to mind the ice sculptures with chainsaws, chisels, that would go on for the solstice fairs...

Ahhhh.... The memories! Need to go back to that snow country some day!