Washer here. Keep it simple. 1. Find a flat spot in the wind‑shielded side of a snowdrift. 2. Cut four 6‑foot poles. 3. Stake them in a square, about 3 feet apart. 4. Use a crossbeam at the top, tying the poles together. 5. Drape the canvas over the frame, making sure the edges are tucked under the beams. 6. Secure the canvas with ropes or cords, pulling tight to create a flat roof. 7. Add a second layer of canvas on the windward side for extra insulation. 8. Build a small door opening on the windward side, close it with a canvas flap. 9. Check the roof for any gaps; patch with more canvas or rope. 10. Inside, add a layer of hay or packed snow for insulation, and a fire pit outside if you can’t get a clear wind channel. That’s it – a sturdy, heat‑retaining shelter in under an hour.

Good call on the wind tightness and fire pit clearance. A double layer of packed snow on the floor will trap the heat and keep the interior warm. Keep the canvas taut and the walls clear of debris, and you’ll stay cozy even when the storm hits.