Quick Answer
A blizzard in a tree well can be survivable if you stay calm, use proper gear, and follow specific techniques to stay warm and protected from wind and drifting snow.
Understanding Tree Wells
A tree well is a depression in the snow around a tree, often formed by the tree’s branches blocking wind-driven snow. It’s a natural shelter that can provide some protection from the elements, but it’s not a reliable or safe long-term shelter. If you’re caught in a blizzard in a tree well, the key is to stay put and conserve energy.
Staying Warm and Protected
To stay warm, use a space blanket or emergency bivvy sack to reflect body heat and prevent heat loss. If you have a portable stove or other heat source, use it to warm up your body, but be careful not to exhaust your fuel supply. To protect yourself from wind and drifting snow, use your shovel or a branch to build a snow wall around the tree, and pack snow against your body to insulate yourself.
Signaling for Help and Staying Visible
To signal for help, use your shovel or any other available material to create a visible sign in the snow or on the tree trunk. If you have a whistle or other signaling device, use it to alert rescuers. To stay visible, use a brightly colored object or a reflective vest to make yourself stand out against the white snow. In a tree well, visibility can be poor, and rescuers may not be able to spot you easily.
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