How to build a snow cave
  • 1. What is the primary purpose of a snow cave?
A) To observe wildlife
B) To provide shelter from the elements
C) To create a signal fire
D) To store food and supplies
  • 2. What type of snow is best for building a snow cave?
A) Deep, consolidated snow
B) Icy snow
C) Wet snow
D) Powdery snow
  • 3. What is the recommended minimum depth of snowpack for building a snow cave?
A) At least 4 feet
B) 1 foot
C) 2 feet
D) 3 feet
  • 4. Why is it important to slope the floor of a snow cave?
A) To make the cave warmer
B) To make it easier to stand
C) To increase ventilation
D) To drain meltwater
  • 5. What is the recommended tool for digging a snow cave?
A) Ski pole
B) Snow shovel
C) Ice axe
D) Knife
  • 6. Why is it important to test the snow's stability before digging?
A) To prevent collapse
B) To check for animal tracks
C) To find the easiest digging spot
D) To measure the snow temperature
  • 7. What shape is generally best for a snow cave's interior?
A) Square-shaped
B) Dome-shaped
C) Rectangular-shaped
D) Flat-roofed
  • 8. What is a 'cold sink' in a snow cave?
A) A lower area to trap cold air
B) An area for storing cold food
C) A device to measure temperature
D) A type of snow formation
  • 9. Why is ventilation crucial in a snow cave?
A) To let in natural light
B) To keep the cave cool
C) To prevent carbon dioxide buildup
D) To allow smoke to escape
  • 10. What is a common symptom of carbon dioxide poisoning?
A) Increased energy
B) Headache
C) Heightened senses
D) Improved vision
  • 11. How can you create ventilation in a snow cave?
A) Poke a hole through the roof
B) Place snow against the walls
C) Keep the door open
D) Build a fire inside
  • 12. What should you do with the snow removed from the cave?
A) Pile it away from the entrance
B) Use it to build a wall around the entrance
C) Spread it evenly around the area
D) Melt it for drinking water
  • 13. Why is it important to insulate the floor of the snow cave?
A) To prevent heat loss to the ground
B) To improve drainage
C) To keep the floor clean
D) To make the floor more comfortable
  • 14. What materials can be used for floor insulation?
A) Sleeping pad, clothing, or evergreen branches
B) Aluminum foil or plastic bags
C) Dirt or sand
D) Snow, ice, or rocks
  • 15. What should you do before going to sleep in a snow cave?
A) Check the ventilation hole
B) Have a large meal
C) Build a fire inside the cave
D) Remove all your clothing
  • 16. How often should you check the ventilation hole during the night?
A) Regularly, at least a few times
B) Once, before going to sleep
C) Only if you feel sick
D) Never
  • 17. What is a 'snow trench'?
A) A deep crack in the snow
B) A narrow entrance to the snow cave
C) A method of testing snow stability
D) A type of snow shovel
  • 18. Why is a snow trench entrance preferred?
A) It allows for better visibility
B) It's easier to dig
C) It helps trap warm air inside
D) It prevents animals from entering
  • 19. What's the biggest danger after a snow cave collapses?
A) Hypothermia
B) Animal attacks
C) Suffocation
D) Dehydration
  • 20. What should you do if a snow cave starts to collapse?
A) Stay calm and wait for rescue
B) Start a fire to melt the snow
C) Try to dig your way out immediately
D) Try to reinforce the structure from the inside
  • 21. What is the ideal height of a snow cave interior?
A) As high as possible for maximum space
B) Low to the ground to conserve heat
C) It doesn't matter
D) High enough to sit up comfortably
  • 22. Why should you avoid using candles or lanterns inside a snow cave?
A) They can melt the snow
B) They are too bright
C) They can produce carbon monoxide
D) They are too heavy
  • 23. Before constructing a snow cave, what environmental factor is essential to consider?
A) Avalanche danger
B) Wind direction
C) Sunlight exposure
D) Presence of wildlife
  • 24. What is a 'sleeping platform' in a snow cave and what is its purpose?
A) An area for storing equipment
B) A raised area to stay warmer
C) An area for cooking
D) An area for melting water
  • 25. What is the minimum number of people recommended to be present when building a snow cave?
A) Three
B) Four
C) Two
D) One
  • 26. What is the 'candling effect' in snow and why is it dangerous?
A) Melting snow creates a shiny surface, blinding travelers
B) Strong winds create ice pillars that can fall
C) Snow looks like candlelight, attracting animals
D) Ice crystals weaken snowpack causing collapses
  • 27. What immediate sign indicates the snow is not suitable for a snow cave?
A) Cracks appearing during digging
B) The snow is easy to dig
C) The snow is very cold
D) The snow is bright white
  • 28. Why should you mark the location of your snow cave clearly?
A) To avoid damaging the environment
B) To prevent animals from entering
C) To deter other people from using it
D) To help rescuers find it
  • 29. If trapped, what sound is best to make to signal for help?
A) Shouting
B) Banging on the walls
C) Whistle
D) Singing
  • 30. After leaving your snow cave, what should you do with the entrance?
A) Leave it open for others
B) Collapse the entrance
C) Mark it with flags
D) Fill it with snow blocks
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