Quinzhee

Constructing quinzhees is much easier than igloos, although the overall result is somewhat less sturdy and more prone to collapsing in harsh weather conditions.

Small sticks, approximately 30 to 35 centimetres (12 to 14 in) are pushed into the structure to act as thickness guides when the interior is hollowed out.

Sructural strength increases when all interior wall and ceiling surfaces follow an arched curve, with no flat sections.

[6] Melting and refreezing the inner surface of the quinzhee can strengthen it, as it does an igloo; this can be done rapidly with a lamp [1] or candle,[7] but body heat is also adequate.

To avoid dripping melt-water, irregular or bumpy surfaces can be smoothed to direct the flow of water down the walls to gather around the edges.

A non-airtight fabric door cover will minimize the amount of cold air coming into the quinzhee.

An empty, well built snow structure, 16 or more hours old, in weather below −12 °C (10 °F) may be strong enough to support a group of adults standing on top of it.

Some users prefer a marker to be left outside the quinzhee nearest the heads of sleeping occupants to indicate where rescuers should start digging.