Quick Answer
To create drainage in a snow cave, dig a trench at the entrance and another at the bottom of the cave, then use a trowel or ice axe to sculpt the snow into a gentle slope. This allows melting snow to flow out of the cave without accumulating inside. You can also use a snow trench to direct water to the outside.
Digging the Trench
When digging the trench at the entrance and bottom of the cave, aim for a slope of about 45 degrees. This will allow melting snow to flow out quickly without accumulating inside the cave. Use a trowel or ice axe to dig the trench, and make sure it’s at least 6-8 inches deep and 12-18 inches wide.
Sculpting the Snow
Once you’ve dug the trench, use a trowel or ice axe to sculpt the snow inside the cave into a gentle slope. This will help direct melting snow towards the trench and prevent it from accumulating inside the cave. Aim for a slope of about 10-15 degrees, and make sure the snow is packed firmly to prevent collapse.
Directing Water to the Outside
If you’re in a particularly wet or snowy environment, you may want to consider digging a snow trench to direct water to the outside of the cave. This can be done by digging a shallow trench around the perimeter of the cave, then packing the snow in tightly to prevent water from seeping back in. This will help keep the cave dry and prevent melting snow from accumulating inside.
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