29

One recommendation I got in case of emergency or intentional sheltering in a snowy location is to dig a lower hole, so that the cold air can move there, while one can sleep higher up where the heat stays. I understand the physics involved, but I am not aware of how much difference it can do in practice. How many degrees are we talking here ? Is it really recommended, or does it just waste energy ?

Improve this question
1
  • 1
    This also referred to as a "cold air sump".
    – furtive
    Commented May 11, 2012 at 2:40

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
32

Doing it correctly can ensure the temperature of the snow cave maintains around 32°F (0°C) or higher.

Its not just about digging the extra hole but how the entire cave is constructed that can make the difference between life and death.

Here's the general idea.

enter image description here

Of course doing this won't guarantee your safety, but it sure helps.

To answer your question directly, it makes a huge difference and is absolutely recommended.

EDIT As pointed out in the comments, we should always give credit to those from whom we get information from.

Source: Mike Clelland

Improve this answer
5
  • Good use of a Mike Clelland drawing :)
    – Ryley
    Commented Jan 26, 2012 at 0:05
  • 4
    Can we credit the authors on this use of their work please! It's a great book and I think many people would like to read it... Allen and Mike's Really Cool Backcountry Ski Book They are two NOLS instructors who have done a great job getting information out there to the masses. Bios - (linkedin.com/in/alleno), (littleboingmarks.blogspot.com)
    – dangeranger
    Commented Jan 26, 2012 at 21:56
  • You are right, I should have. I pulled it from google images without looking for where it came from.
    – Justin Self
    Commented Jan 26, 2012 at 22:40
  • 1
    32 degrees???? That would melt all immediatelly... Aaaah, you must mean 32 degrees Fahrenheit, not Celsius! Right?
    – Tomas
    Commented Jan 28, 2012 at 0:58
  • I have recently created a Wikipedia article on this topic: Cold hole. We're talking 2016, so either people just don't know about this practice (and I mean Wikipedia, duh!) – or I'm using my words wrong, and the article already exists under a different title. I'm no hiking enthusiast (let alone mountaineer or climber), but I love the physics rationale – so I need help here from someone with an actual drive to set things right. Long story short: help! :)
    – Bogdan Stăncescu
    Commented Jan 22, 2016 at 0:17

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.