FrostLoom & Holod
I've been working on the idea of a snow shelter that’s quick to build yet holds up against wind—ever seen a dome that collapses before lunch, or a lean-to that actually survives a 30‑mph blizzard? Any tricks for keeping the structure stable while staying efficient?
FrostLoom: Yeah, a dome that folds like a burrito is a bad idea, and a lean‑to that gives up at 30 mph? Not worth the trip. Keep the base packed tight and use a high‑profile ridge to shed wind. Make the walls thicker on the windward side, tapering toward the top; that gives a natural aeration path. Anchor the whole thing with a few heavy stakes dug into the snow, and tie a loop of cord around the apex to keep the roof from shifting. Add a small vestibule on the windward side for windbreak—just a few feet of packed snow, a few pine boughs for wind deflection. Keep it simple, no extra angles that catch wind, and you’ll have a shelter that stands the storm and lets you rest.
Sounds solid—keeps the structure simple and the risk low, which is exactly how I like to build things. The vestibule idea is a nice touch; a few packed meters of snow to deflect that wind can save a lot of energy in the long run. If I find a way to make the ridge even more efficient, that might just give us the little surprise I crave without breaking routine.