Quick Answer
A quinzhee shelter for two people should be around 6-8 feet in diameter and 4-6 feet tall.
Quinzhee Size and Space Requirements
To determine the ideal size of a quinzhee, consider the needs of the occupants. For two people, a diameter of 6-8 feet will provide enough space to stand up and move around comfortably. A height of 4-6 feet will allow for a decent headspace without requiring too much snow or materials.
Calculating the Snow Volume
To build a quinzhee, you’ll need to calculate the volume of snow required. A good rule of thumb is to estimate a volume of 1 cubic foot of snow per square foot of floor area. For a 6-foot diameter quinzhee, the floor area would be approximately 28.27 square feet (πr^2). Based on this, you’ll need around 28 cubic feet of snow. To be safe, aim for a slightly larger volume, around 35-40 cubic feet.
Building the Quinzhee
Once you’ve gathered the required amount of snow, start by creating a circular base and piling the snow on top. Pack the snow down as you go, using your feet, hands, or a tool to compress it. Continue adding layers of snow, each one slightly smaller than the last, until you reach the desired height. Finally, smooth out the surface and create a doorway.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.