Solarisphere t1_j27uycl wrote on December 30, 2022 at 7:14 AM

Reply to comment by RobleViejo in TIL Snow is an excellent insulator because it consists of about 90–95 percent trapped air (fresh). This is the reason why igloos are warmer inside than outside, and why some animals in colder regions build snow caves to spend the winter while hibernating. by SunCloud-777

I’ve slept in a snow cave a few times in the pacific NW. It does in fact start to melt the snow a little bit, and I recommend making your snow cave a smooth arch on the ceiling. If you leave any pointy bits on the ceiling the melt water can drip down them and onto your sleeping bag. If it’s smooth any water will run down the side and now get you wet. It’s not enough melt to cause problems though. Just enough to melt the rough snow on the surface.

Outside temps were always between -5 and -10, so it may be different in the arctic or even just the interior where it gets colder than the coast.

Snow caves overall are quite comfortable though. The temp hovers around freezing, but since the air is so still it’s comfortable to take your shirt off and get changed.