Comments on: How To: Build a Badass Snow Fort http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/ Where every man is king. Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:28:29 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5 By: krinwisco http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-90420 krinwisco Wed, 30 Jan 2008 06:49:19 +0000 http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-90420 In Scouting we create Quinzees and sleep in them overnight after snowshoeing into the woods... An ingenious way to guarantee consistant thickness with the walls is to snap off straight, dead, thin branches to a consistant length of 10-12 inches. Then you shove them into the mounded pile of snow, aiming at the bottom, center of the structure. A 1-2 foot spacing is fine. Do this from the bottom edge to the peak. Once the snow has settled for a couple of hours, you dig out the interior. When you hit the ends of the sticks you shoved in, you move to another area until you have completed the interior. By using the sticks you remove all guesswork and/or dependance on sunlight to ensure a sufficient wall thickness that doesn't sacrifice strength (too thin) or interior space (too thick) In Scouting we create Quinzees and sleep in them overnight after snowshoeing into the woods… An ingenious way to guarantee consistant thickness with the walls is to snap off straight, dead, thin branches to a consistant length of 10-12 inches. Then you shove them into the mounded pile of snow, aiming at the bottom, center of the structure. A 1-2 foot spacing is fine. Do this from the bottom edge to the peak. Once the snow has settled for a couple of hours, you dig out the interior. When you hit the ends of the sticks you shoved in, you move to another area until you have completed the interior. By using the sticks you remove all guesswork and/or dependance on sunlight to ensure a sufficient wall thickness that doesn’t sacrifice strength (too thin) or interior space (too thick)

]]> By: Jamz http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-89828 Jamz Tue, 18 Dec 2007 03:23:23 +0000 http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-89828 very good writing; i will try that "ice windows" thing next chance i get. and just to clarify a few things: yes the Inuit (not Inuits) did build igloos out of permafrost snow. this snow is harder and more sturdy than say, lake effect snow. this is why they were able to achieve that wonderful domed shape. very good writing; i will try that “ice windows” thing next chance i get. and just to clarify a few things: yes the Inuit (not Inuits) did build igloos out of permafrost snow. this snow is harder and more sturdy than say, lake effect snow. this is why they were able to achieve that wonderful domed shape.

]]> By: Ed The Man http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-89808 Ed The Man Sat, 15 Dec 2007 21:37:44 +0000 http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-89808 Another good thing that you can do it hook your hose back up (assuming you're smart enough to disconnect it before the storm), and then use the "mist" or "flat" setting on your fort, so as to wet it, have it freeze, but not destroy it by using "jet" or "shower" :D Works great in Indy, and my kids can do it great already. Another good thing that you can do it hook your hose back up (assuming you’re smart enough to disconnect it before the storm), and then use the “mist” or “flat” setting on your fort, so as to wet it, have it freeze, but not destroy it by using “jet” or “shower”
:D Works great in Indy, and my kids can do it great already.

]]> By: Nick http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-89585 Nick Sun, 02 Dec 2007 20:35:18 +0000 http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-89585 Wow nice i used some of your ideas and made a fort with three rooms and i could run and jump on the fort and it did not break Wow nice i used some of your ideas and made a fort with three rooms and i could run and jump on the fort and it did not break

]]> By: Sexo http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-86685 Sexo Tue, 14 Aug 2007 17:20:51 +0000 http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-86685 Another cheap trick: once the plow man went by (assuming a significant snowfall), we would take my cheap sled (which was really just a long piece of plastic with some rope handles) and a baseball bat and cut sled-sized bricks out of the hard-packed plowed snow. Assuming you can extract and carry the bricks, this is a quick way to build walls. Another cheap trick: once the plow man went by (assuming a significant snowfall), we would take my cheap sled (which was really just a long piece of plastic with some rope handles) and a baseball bat and cut sled-sized bricks out of the hard-packed plowed snow. Assuming you can extract and carry the bricks, this is a quick way to build walls.

]]> By: juegos http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-86236 juegos Mon, 30 Jul 2007 21:35:35 +0000 http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-86236 The Inuits were (and still are) able to build igloos because of the snow they were using. Permafrost snow is much more dense than the snow we use, thus allowing them to make “bricks” that will hold up. The Inuits were (and still are) able to build igloos because of the snow they were using. Permafrost snow is much more dense than the snow we use, thus allowing them to make “bricks” that will hold up.

]]> By: snowfortbuilder http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-85912 snowfortbuilder Wed, 18 Jul 2007 21:58:41 +0000 http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-85912 I was reading this and thinking wow this is a lot like how I build my snow forts. My snow forts are always a work in progress. I usually add the snow I dig out to the outside along with some new snow so it always keeps growing throughout the winter. This last winter I could just about stand in it and I fit four of my friends in it with me. I have pictures of it on my website http://snowforts.ath.cx I was reading this and thinking wow this is a lot like how I build my snow forts. My snow forts are always a work in progress. I usually add the snow I dig out to the outside along with some new snow so it always keeps growing throughout the winter. This last winter I could just about stand in it and I fit four of my friends in it with me. I have pictures of it on my website http://snowforts.ath.cx

]]> By: UnofficialSquaw.com http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-76012 UnofficialSquaw.com Wed, 18 Apr 2007 09:12:39 +0000 http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-76012 <strong>How To: Build a Badass Snow Fort at Dethroner</strong> One of the best things my step-father ever taught me was how to build a proper snowfort. Oh sure, I’d carved out a few cubbies in snowdrifts before, but nothing like the labyrinthine lairs I soon began developing like missile bases under the snow. As... How To: Build a Badass Snow Fort at Dethroner

One of the best things my step-father ever taught me was how to build a proper snowfort. Oh sure, I’d carved out a few cubbies in snowdrifts before, but nothing like the labyrinthine lairs I soon began developing like missile bases under the snow. As…

]]> By: TJ http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-32274 TJ Thu, 08 Mar 2007 18:51:54 +0000 http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-32274 Canugurl, I said permafrost snow. I didn't say "just permafrost". I was reffering to the snow on top of the permafrost. Also, I appologize for my improper use of the term Inuit. My bad. That does make me sound kind of inbred. peace Canugurl, I said permafrost snow. I didn’t say “just permafrost”. I was reffering to the snow on top of the permafrost.

Also, I appologize for my improper use of the term Inuit. My bad. That does make me sound kind of inbred.

peace

]]> By: Terral http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-31117 Terral Tue, 06 Mar 2007 17:49:24 +0000 http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-31117 Thanks for a great snow fort how-to. I live in Utah and we usually get quite a bit of snow and build snowforts when we can. This year has been pretty dry for us and if we only have a small amount of snow we can quickly clean the yard and have a pile too small to use. One way to get around this is to stack something bulky in the yard and pile the snow on top of it and compact it. Then just cut your door and pull out the guts and most of your work is now done. This idea came from winter camping (use your backpacks and a tarp) but works equally well with bags full of leaves that never made it to the compost facility. You could also leave them in the yard in the fall in anticipation of the storms that are sure to come later. Thanks for a great snow fort how-to.

I live in Utah and we usually get quite a bit of snow and build snowforts when we can. This year has been pretty dry for us and if we only have a small amount of snow we can quickly clean the yard and have a pile too small to use.

One way to get around this is to stack something bulky in the yard and pile the snow on top of it and compact it. Then just cut your door and pull out the guts and most of your work is now done. This idea came from winter camping (use your backpacks and a tarp) but works equally well with bags full of leaves that never made it to the compost facility. You could also leave them in the yard in the fall in anticipation of the storms that are sure to come later.

]]> By: Grizzly http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-30606 Grizzly Mon, 05 Mar 2007 16:49:31 +0000 http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-30606 A true igloo uses a heat source to slightly melt the insides of the igloo once it is built. An igloo is also stronger if built in a shape similar to the St. Louis arch--not a 1/2 sphere dome. Normally a candle or lantern of some kind is used to promote the melt. The door and smoke flap is then opened and the melt water cascading down the inside walls flash freezes. The base is also reinforced and body fluids are used to slick up the outside surface. This forms a laminated ice shell that will prevent a polar bear from crashing in in the night when there are dancing shadows through the translucent igloo (as seen from the outside). Try that at home. Have a 900 pound nine foot tall beast try to crush you and your family in the outside dark. Most homes aren't built that well. It's also why dogs are stationed outside the igloo. A true igloo uses a heat source to slightly melt the insides of the igloo once it is built. An igloo is also stronger if built in a shape similar to the St. Louis arch–not a 1/2 sphere dome. Normally a candle or lantern of some kind is used to promote the melt. The door and smoke flap is then opened and the melt water cascading down the inside walls flash freezes. The base is also reinforced and body fluids are used to slick up the outside surface. This forms a laminated ice shell that will prevent a polar bear from crashing in in the night when there are dancing shadows through the translucent igloo (as seen from the outside). Try that at home. Have a 900 pound nine foot tall beast try to crush you and your family in the outside dark. Most homes aren’t built that well. It’s also why dogs are stationed outside the igloo.

]]> By: Dethroner-Inspired Snow Fort at Dethroner http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-30537 Dethroner-Inspired Snow Fort at Dethroner Mon, 05 Mar 2007 15:15:47 +0000 http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-30537 [...] 10,000 power: A dude with a cute kid was inspired to build a good-looking snow fort by our HOWTO post last week and tossed a couple of pictures online. We’re saving lives here, people! [...] […] 10,000 power: A dude with a cute kid was inspired to build a good-looking snow fort by our HOWTO post last week and tossed a couple of pictures online. We’re saving lives here, people! […]

]]> By: Aside http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-30294 Aside Mon, 05 Mar 2007 06:51:29 +0000 http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-30294 [...] How To: Build a Badass Snow Fort [...] […] How To: Build a Badass Snow Fort […]

]]> By: A Work In Progress http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-30216 A Work In Progress Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:36:06 +0000 http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-30216 <strong>Snow Play</strong> Inspired by this article (via Kottke), as well as the recent blanket of snow, the girls and I spent more than a little time this weekend moving snow around the yard.   We've still got a fair amount of excavation to do on the inside. The floor is ... Snow Play

Inspired by this article (via Kottke), as well as the recent blanket of snow, the girls and I spent more than a little time this weekend moving snow around the yard.   We’ve still got a fair amount of excavation to do on the inside. The floor is …

]]> By: Meriblog: Meri Williams’ Weblog » links for 2007-03-04 http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-30181 Meriblog: Meri Williams’ Weblog » links for 2007-03-04 Sun, 04 Mar 2007 21:51:03 +0000 http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-30181 [...] How To: Build a Badass Snow Fort at Dethroner This is so cool it makes me want to go live somewhere that gets serious snow. (tags: architecture cool fun howto snow snowfort forts fortbuilding childhood tips weather) [...] […] How To: Build a Badass Snow Fort at Dethroner This is so cool it makes me want to go live somewhere that gets serious snow. (tags: architecture cool fun howto snow snowfort forts fortbuilding childhood tips weather) […]

]]> By: canugurl http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-30112 canugurl Sun, 04 Mar 2007 16:27:00 +0000 http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-30112 Unfortunately, although TJ is right that Inuit (no "s" - Inuit means "the people") use a specific kind of snow to build igloos it has nothing to do with the permafrost. Permafrost is continuouslly frozen ground. The type of snow on top of that frozen ground depends on many things, including precipitation, temperature, wind, etc. but not on the permafrost. As for the right kind of snow being cut from ice caps, that's also not-quite right. Ice caps are permanent glaciers that are often far away from the land and sea where caribou, seals and other animals live. Inuit build igloos when they are living and travelling on the land - they wouldn't do that very far from their source of food, so it would be awfully rare for them to find an ice cap from which to build their igloo. They simply find the right conditions to make the type of snow they need to build their igloo and away they go. It's amazing to watch them construct a true igloo! PS. The type of super-fantastic snow fort Joel's describing is sometimes also called a "quinzhee/quinzee" (minus the ice layers). I've slept in them many times and been toasty warm. Unfortunately, although TJ is right that Inuit (no “s” - Inuit means “the people”) use a specific kind of snow to build igloos it has nothing to do with the permafrost. Permafrost is continuouslly frozen ground. The type of snow on top of that frozen ground depends on many things, including precipitation, temperature, wind, etc. but not on the permafrost.

As for the right kind of snow being cut from ice caps, that’s also not-quite right. Ice caps are permanent glaciers that are often far away from the land and sea where caribou, seals and other animals live. Inuit build igloos when they are living and travelling on the land - they wouldn’t do that very far from their source of food, so it would be awfully rare for them to find an ice cap from which to build their igloo. They simply find the right conditions to make the type of snow they need to build their igloo and away they go.

It’s amazing to watch them construct a true igloo!

PS. The type of super-fantastic snow fort Joel’s describing is sometimes also called a “quinzhee/quinzee” (minus the ice layers). I’ve slept in them many times and been toasty warm.

]]> By: Ryan http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-29764 Ryan Sat, 03 Mar 2007 11:00:31 +0000 http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-29764 Using Bricks: http://howesound.wordpress.com/2006/12/28/time-to-build-an-igloo/ Using Bricks:

http://howesound.wordpress.com/2006/12/28/time-to-build-an-igloo/

]]> By: Nicq http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-29680 Nicq Sat, 03 Mar 2007 04:30:47 +0000 http://dethroner.com/2007/02/27/how-to-build-a-badass-snow-fort/#comment-29680 Another hint: instead of creating blocks of snow, make the kids roll LOTS of head-sized snow balls. Build walls laying the balls in a brick pattern, filling spaces with more snow. Tip: after your wall is some 3ft high, let it rest for the night and work on the roof tomorrow. That's how we've done it back when I was a kid. We were able to create (without shovels) a fort I could freely stand inside, not being a very small kid at 10 yrs old. Another hint: instead of creating blocks of snow, make the kids roll LOTS of head-sized snow balls. Build walls laying the balls in a brick pattern, filling spaces with more snow. Tip: after your wall is some 3ft high, let it rest for the night and work on the roof tomorrow.

That’s how we’ve done it back when I was a kid. We were able to create (without shovels) a fort I could freely stand inside, not being a very small kid at 10 yrs old.

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