Snow shelters
How to build a snow shelter.
Snow shelters - this is something I avoid. Having spent a good portion of my childhood in snow forts I know how much work is involved....especially with poor quality snow. Anyhow, here are instructions for Australian conditions....just to remind me to use a tent!
Best option: find a shelter someone else has built!
Snow shelters:
Most of the time, due to shallow / unsuitable snow, a snow shelter is the real option under Australian conditions. Some people see these as an alternative camping option on hut tours....however, my perspective is that by the time you carry a shovel (for cutting through an ice crust) and a tarp you may as well bring a tent! Here is the theory:
Select a site out of the wind, use trees, logs or rocks as wind breaks
Dig into the snow at the base of a tree or rocks
Use skis, poles and branches to roof the shelter before covering it with a tarp or snow
Do not get wet in the process. If necessary, remove some clothing or gloves to keep them dry while building your shelter
In the shelter, insulate yourself from the snow with branches, skis, poles or packs. If you have one, keep your sleeping bag dry with a light weight bivybag style cover. (Mine weighs 160g, is breathable/water resistant and carried on all trips)
If you can, light a fire on a platform of small logs.
If this is an emegency situation, make your location visible to searchers, ie stand a pair of skis crossed in the snow and attach a bright object to them.
Note: More info on snow safety in Australan conditions is available at: http://www.snowsafe.org.au/
In deep snow, the other option is a snow cave. The attachment below on snow caves was taken from the Snowy Times Spring 2011 edition.