Why are snow caves dangerous?
A snow cave can save your life or it can kill you. Let me be clear: parents who send their children off into the snow with the admonition “If you get lost, just dig a snow cave and you will be OK” are creating a false sense of security that can be deadly. Parents should say: “Don’t get lost, ‘stay found’ – you can’t depend on following landmarks or your foot prints back to safety – stay together with your friends and know how to get back. Don’t get wet from sweat or the from the outside because if you have to stop, you will be in danger of getting hypothermia even in 50 degree weather. Be especially mindful of the wind because it can drag your temperature down very quickly if you are wet and without hat, gloves and a wind/rain jacket and pants. Wear your wool, not your cotton and be sure you have the Ten Essentials in your day pack! Know when you need to return, but don’t wait until you or a friend start to get really cold.” No, I have not found statistics on deaths in “snow caves”, bu
