How to Make a Trench in the Winter

In harsh winter environments where the weather can change in an instant, travelers can find themselves stuck in a potentially deadly situation with no hope of finding shelter. Luckily, people have developed ways to use the heavy snow to insulate and protect themselves from the harsh winds and bitter cold. Snow trenches are a simple and effective way to protect yourself if leaving the area is not an option. There are more-effective shelters that can be made from snow, but the trench is the most basic and quickest to create.

Things You'll Need

  • Shovel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the best area for your snow trench. Ideally, your trench should be dug in an area with more than 4 feet of snow. You can also pile up snow to reach this height. Make sure the snow is not too hard. Frozen snow may require much more work to remove, and in a survival situation, you want to conserve as much energy as possible.

    • 2

      Dig a trench in the snow using a shovel. If you do not have a shovel, use any object that can scoop up snow better than your hands. The trench should be at least 4 feet deep and long enough to comfortably accommodate your body.

    • 3

      Place blocks of ice and packed snow over the top of the snow trench. This will serve as your roof. If other building materials are available, such as a tarp or wood, these will also serve as a suitable substitute. Be sure to leave at least one end of the trench open to ensure you can exit.

    • 4

      Dig into one wall of your trench to form an even more-insulated structure in which you can sleep or rest. Do not dig close to the top of the trench or you will risk a collapse. If the snow it too soft or you don't feel comfortable, this step can be skipped.