Understanding
Snow Types
Winter camping tips
DARREn COpE
SAND SNOW
null Produced during extremely cold tem-
peratures, and has such a sharp, granular
Clothing
texture it becomes very difficult to ski or Staying dry means staying warm. Get out of wet
walk across. clothing as soon as possible and dry it.
Avoid cotton. It gets wet and stays wet. Syn-
WILD SNOW thetic fibres are best, but wool is still effective.
null A very dry, fluffy snow that usually be- Dress in layers so you can adapt as conditions
gins to fall during calm periods in the (yours and the environment’s) change. Get used
weather and extreme cold snaps. If the to taking stuff off and putting it back on all day
wind picks up, dangerous whiteouts long. If you are hot, you sweat and make your
can occur. clothing wet.
Use layers on your hands too. Light liner gloves
WIND-PACKED SNOW are good for manual dexterity when needed.
null The fallen (and accumulated) snow Over that, a heavy wool or fleece mitt, and finally
has been heavily compacted by strong a shell with gauntlets to keep snow out.
winds. The pressure of the blowing Tight clothing and boots restrict circulation
wind causes a “cold-heat” hardening ef- and make you cold. Think loose, especially on
fect, which creates an excellent surface your feet. No extra socks if they make your boots
to walk on without breaking through. snug. Avoid tight elastic cuffs and use adjustable
It’s also one of the best ways to make Velcro ones.
igloo blocks. Don’t wear waterproof clothing. It blocks
moisture, soaks into your inner clothing, and you
CORN SNOW get cold. Get a water-resistant (not waterproof)
Cooking
null Most common in early spring when parka and shell pants.
changing temperatures continually Clean clothes insulate better than dirty; they Take extra fuel. Cooking in the cold and melting
thaw and freeze the accumulated snow. fluff up easier and trap more warm air. snow for water takes more fuel than you think.
The texture is grainy and is more of a Use a lid on pots to keep the heat in.
layer of ice crystals, separated by air
Trekking
One-pot meals are the best; it’s too cold
space, than actual snow. It’s sticky to to make anything more elaborate.
ski across and very difficult to walk on Gaiters keep snow out of your boots. Get used
without falling through. to looking goofy and wear them – it’s the price of
Preparation
dry feet on the trail.
ROTTEN SNOW Mittens are warmer than gloves, as they allow Spend your first winter campout in your
null A dangerous circumstance caused by your fingers to touch and share heat. Attach an backyard, or close to your car so you can retreat
snow repeatedly melting and freez- idiot cord so they don’t fall into the snow or blow to warmth if something goes wrong. Don’t
ing on the upper layer (common on away if you take them off. undertake a serious backcountry trip without
the south side of a hill), which in turn first testing all your gear.
causes water to seep through to the
Water
Simple tasks are not so simple in the win-
lower layer. With the top layer acting ter. Plan lots of time for setting up camp, and
as an insulator, the water on the bottom Drink lots of it. Even cold water will help warm remember that it gets dark earlier.
never freezes. The problem is, the snow you because the body operates efficiently when The ideal tent site should be sheltered
may look safe to walk across, but it will it’s hydrated. from wind, exposed to sunrise, and not in the
collapse when you least expect it. Check your urine. If it’s deep yellow, it’s time lowest area. Hot air rises, leaving behind cold air
to drink more. in low spots.
SLUSH SNOW Start melting snow or ice with leftovers from Tramp down your campsite with skis or snow-
null This is snow that has absorbed water your water bottle. This way you won’t burn your shoes, and let it settle before pitching the tent.
from below. It can be spotted where the pot (yes it can burn). Take sunscreen and sunglasses. Shiny white
snow surface has a slight depression Ice produces more water than snow per vol- snow reflects the sun, giving you a double dose
with areas dark blue in colour. Avoid ume. Use ice or crusty snow if possible – not the of harmful rays.
such areas when crossing lakes and light fluffy stuff.
especially rivers — it’s a good indicator Carry your water bottle inside your parka Darren is an avid outdoor enthusiast.
there’s a hole in the ice below. to keep it from freezing. You can read more by visiting his website at
Water freezes from the top down, so carry http://dmcope.freeshell.org.
it upside down to keep the opening open.
www.OttawaOutdoors.ca OTTAWA >> WINTER 2007/2008 11
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