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Other Shelter - part 4
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Side alcoves holding two men each, 31/2 feet wide, 4 feet high, and 61/2 feet long, are constructed at right angles to the entrance hallway. A shelf 18 inches above the floor is cut at the end of the hall and used for cooking-
If the snow is too shallow or inadequately compacted, the same design may be constructed in the form of a ditch and roofed with local poles and branches, or with skis and waterproof sheet, the roof covered with snow. Igloos or snow houses.—There is no mystery about this structure, nor any particular difficulty. Four men, after an afternoon's practice, should be able to build a snow house, large enough to hold them, in from 45 minutes to an hour. The only thing needed is snow packed firmly enough (not simply crusted over) to support a man without his sinking in more than enough to leave a slight footprint. Probing with the handle end of a ski pole will help decide whether the snow is right all the way through, or only crusted. A flat-bladed shovel, or the heel-end of a ski may be used for cutting the snowblocks. They should be cut in the shape of a domino, at least 4 inches thick, a foot and a half wide, and 2 or 3 feet long. Undercutting, in addition to cutting around the edges, is necessary to secure well-shaped blocks. If four men work as a team, it will be well to have one cut blocks, another carry them to the building site, a third (standing inside the structure) put them into position, and the fourth caulk the joints with loose snow, or aid the builder. If blocks are cut from inside the structure, the necessary height of wall to be constructed is greatly reduced. The floor plan may be oval or circular, but not rectangular. It is well to make an outline first, by standing in the center, grasping a ski at the desired radius, and sketching with the point the course to be followed with the first row of blocks. An inside diameter of eight feet will provide adequate quarters for four men. Depending upon whether the house is to be high or low, each block of this first row is undercut along the lower edge. So beveled, the block will lean inward at the desired angle. Later rows will be similarly beveled. When the first row has been completed, the next row may be built on top. But a better system is to provide for a continuous spiral in the following manner. Choosing any block in the first row, cut away a diagonal half —from the top of one side to the bottom of the other. Begin the second row of blocks by placing the first in this space. Then build continuously around and around in smaller and smaller diameters until space remains for only one more block at the top. This final block will act as a keystone, and the igloo as it stands will be satisfactory, if caulked with loose snow. But added strength will be provided, and the brushing off of snow at contact prevented, if a little time is taken for icing the interior. This is done by lighting a stove (or woodfire) inside the igloo, sealing the door, and leaving until the snow becomes sufficiently moist inside to form ice when the fire is extinguished and the cold air from outside let in.
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