Quick Answer
A quinzhee is a type of snow shelter built by piling snow into a mound, then hollowing it out, whereas a snow trench is a shelter built by digging a trench in the snow and covering it with a roof. Quinzhees are generally quicker to build, but snow trenches provide better protection from wind and cold temperatures.
Building a Quinzhee Shelter
Building a quinzhee shelter involves piling snow into a mound, 3-4 feet high and 6-8 feet in diameter. The snow should be piled in layers, with each layer being slightly smaller than the last, to create a stable structure. Once the mound is completed, use a shovel or a stick to create a hole in the center, then enlarge it to form the shelter.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Quinzhees
Quinzhees are relatively quick to build, taking around 30 minutes to an hour to construct, depending on the size of the shelter. They also provide good insulation and can be built in a variety of snow conditions. However, quinzhees can be prone to collapse if the snow is too wet or if the structure is not properly constructed.
Building a Snow Trench Shelter
A snow trench shelter is built by digging a trench in the snow, typically 2-3 feet deep and 6-8 feet long. The trench should be angled to allow snow to slide off and prevent the roof from collapsing. Once the trench is dug, use snow blocks or a tarp to create a roof, securing it with stakes or rocks. Snow trenches provide better protection from wind and cold temperatures than quinzhees, but take longer to build, typically 1-2 hours.
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