Camping in Alaska's Deepest Snow with a Dugout Survival Shelter

Outdoor Boys

17 Feb 202425:09

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRJoin Luke from the ud Boys YouTube channel on an adventure in Juneau, Alaska, where he explores the deep snow of the mountains, goes backcountry skiing, and camps in a snow cave. Amidst the challenges of digging through dense snow and dealing with unexpected trees, Luke shares his experiences of building a snow cave, cooking in the wilderness, and surviving the elements in one of the snowiest places on Earth.

Takeaways

🏔️ Luke travels to Juneau, Alaska for an adventure in the mountains, experiencing the deep snow and outdoor activities.
🌲 Juneau is located in a temperate rainforest, with an average annual rainfall of 230 days and significant snow accumulation in the mountains.
⛷️ Luke visits Eagle Crest Ski Resort, which is surrounded by Tongass National Forest and offers opportunities for backcountry hiking and skiing.
🏂 Avalanche safety is a major concern when venturing out of the ski resort boundaries, so Luke sticks close to the trees to minimize the risk.
❄️ The snow in Alaska is exceptionally deep, with some areas having over 130 inches of snow on the ground.
🏕️ Luke camps in the snow, digging a snow cave for shelter and demonstrating the process of building and collapsing a snow cave for educational purposes.
🔧 Luke uses an avalanche probe to measure the depth of the snow and ensure there are no obstacles beneath the surface.
🍳 He cooks meals, including shish kebabs and couscous, and makes brownies with whipped cream using a liquid fuel stove.
🥾 Luke discusses the challenges of camping in the snow, including the difficulty of digging through dense snow and dealing with obstacles like trees.
🎥 The video provides a behind-the-scenes look at Luke's outdoor survival skills and the beauty of Alaska's snowy landscapes.
📌 The script serves as a guide for those interested in outdoor adventures, offering practical advice and highlighting the importance of safety and preparedness.

Q & A

Where did Luke travel to for his adventure?
-Luke traveled to the mountains of Juneau, Alaska, to camp in the deepest snow and engage in activities like mountain climbing, backcountry skiing, and snow exploration.
What is the climate like in Juneau?
-Juneau is situated in the heart of an enormous temperate rainforest and experiences heavy rainfall, averaging 230 rainy days per year. In the mountains, this rain turns into snow, with more than 10 feet of snow accumulating on the ground.
What is Menen Hall Glacier?
-Menen Hall Glacier is a glacier located near Juneau, Alaska. Luke mentions it while describing the area and the transition from rain to snow as one moves from the city into the mountains.
What precautions did Luke take while exploring the backcountry?
-Luke took precautions such as sticking close to the trees, which act as anchors to prevent snow from sloughing off the mountain sides, thus reducing the risk of encountering avalanches.
How did Luke measure the depth of the snow?
-Luke used an avalanche probe to measure the depth of the snow. This tool allows him to easily determine the snow's depth and check for any obstacles, like trees, beneath the snow's surface.
What challenges did Luke face while digging a snow cave?
-Luke faced challenges such as the density and strength of the snow, the presence of trees underneath the snow, and the need to move a significant amount of snow during the excavation process.
What type of stove did Luke use and why was it suitable for the conditions?
-Luke used a liquid fuel stove that runs on diesel, unleaded white gas, or kerosene. This type of stove is suitable for winter conditions because the fuel does not freeze.
What did Luke do to prevent his water bottles from freezing?
-To prevent his water bottles from freezing, Luke placed them in a location away from the cold, ensuring they were not in contact with the snow or ice.
What was Luke's meal plan during his stay in the snow cave?
-For meals, Luke planned to have shish kebabs with chicken wrapped in bacon for dinner, and for breakfast, he prepared warm Scottish oatmeal with sweet whipping cream.
How did Luke test the strength of the snow cave he built?
-Luke tested the strength of the snow cave by standing on the roof of the cave, which was only 2 feet or 60 cm thick, to see if it could hold his weight without collapsing.
What advice does Luke give regarding building snow caves?
-Luke advises that the size and stability of a snow cave can vary depending on the snow's condition. He emphasizes the importance of being cautious and not blindly following instructions found on the internet without considering the specific circumstances and risks involved.

Outlines

00:00

🏔️ Exploring Juno, Alaska's Snowy Wilderness

In this segment, Luke introduces himself and the setting of the video, Juno, Alaska, highlighting the region's wet climate and significant snow accumulation. He shares his experiences of camping, backcountry skiing, and the challenges of moving through deep snow. The paragraph details his journey through the temperate rainforest, encountering Menen Hall Glacier, and his preparations for exploring Eagle Crest ski resort, which is closed at the time of his visit. Luke emphasizes the importance of safety measures like sticking close to trees to avoid avalanches and the physical effort required to navigate the snowy terrain.

05:04

🌨️ Measuring Snow Depth and Preparing for Camping

This paragraph focuses on Luke's exploration of one of Alaska's snowiest mountains, where he uses an avalanche probe to measure the impressive snow depth of 130 inches. He explains the variability in snow depth due to wind patterns and the challenges of camping in such conditions, including the potential hazards beneath the snow. Luke also discusses the physical effort involved in digging out a camping spot, the importance of proper equipment, and the stunning scenery that accompanies his journey.

10:09

🏕️ Building a Snow Cave and Facing the Elements

Luke shares the intricacies of constructing a snow cave in the Alaskan wilderness, highlighting the unexpected challenges such as encountering trees beneath the snow. He describes the two-step process of excavating and disposing of the snow, the strength and heavy nature of the snow, and the need for efficient tools. The paragraph also touches on the importance of a liquid fuel stove in cold conditions and the struggle of dealing with the cold and maintaining warmth.

15:10

🍲 Enjoying a Comforting Meal in the Wilderness

This section of the script details Luke's experience of cooking and enjoying a meal in the snow cave. He talks about the preparation and cooking of shish kebabs and couscous, as well as making brownies and whipped cream for dessert. The importance of keeping water from freezing and the comfort of having a warm sleeping bag are also mentioned. The paragraph emphasizes the enjoyment of a good meal and the satisfaction of overcoming the day's challenges.

20:12

🧳 Cleaning Up and Reflecting on Snow Cave Safety

In the final paragraph, Luke discusses the process of cleaning up after his stay in the snow cave, including the discovery of a tarmigan on his shelter. He reflects on the safety of snow caves, sharing his childhood experiences and contemplating the structural integrity of the caves he's built. Luke also mentions his intention to conduct an experiment on the stability of the snow cave, emphasizing the importance of caution and preparation when recreating outdoor activities seen on the internet.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Alaska

Alaska is the largest state in the United States, known for its vast wilderness, extreme weather conditions, and abundant wildlife. In the video, the narrator travels to Alaska to experience camping in deep snow, highlighting the state's snowy and mountainous terrain as a significant part of the adventure.

💡Backcountry

The term 'backcountry' refers to remote areas that are not easily accessible and typically not developed for tourism or human habitation. In the context of the video, the narrator explores the backcountry of Alaska, emphasizing the rugged and untouched nature of the environment where he goes skiing and snow camping.

💡Snow Caves

Snow caves are shelters created by digging into the snow, providing protection from the elements, particularly wind and cold temperatures. The video demonstrates the process of building a snow cave, which is a key survival technique in snowy environments like Alaska, and also tests the structural integrity of the cave by attempting to collapse it.

💡Avalanche

An avalanche is a rapid flow of snow down a slope, often triggered by natural factors or human activity. In the video, the narrator discusses the risks of avalanches when venturing outside the boundaries of the ski resort, highlighting the importance of safety precautions when engaging in backcountry activities.

💡Skiing

Skiing is a winter sport that involves gliding and making turns on snow-covered slopes using skis attached to the feet. The video features the narrator country skiing and exploring the ski resort of Eagle Crest, showcasing the recreational aspect of skiing as well as its challenges in Alaska's extreme conditions.

💡Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a form of walking on snow with the aid of snowshoes, which are footwear designed to distribute the wearer's weight to prevent sinking into deep snow. In the video, the narrator uses snowshoes for hiking in the deep snow, illustrating the practical use of this equipment for navigating snowy terrain.

💡Temperate Rainforest

A temperate rainforest is a type of rainforest that exists in temperate regions, characterized by high rainfall and mild temperatures. Juno, Alaska, where the video takes place, is located in the heart of an enormous temperate rainforest, which contributes to the area's high precipitation and the transformation of rain into snow in the mountains.

💡Scout

In the context of the video, 'scouting' refers to the act of exploring and assessing an area to familiarize oneself with the surroundings and identify potential challenges or opportunities. The narrator scouts the ski resort and the surrounding backcountry to understand the terrain and prepare for his camping and skiing activities.

💡Survival Skills

Survival skills encompass the knowledge and techniques required to stay alive and safe in wilderness environments. The video showcases various survival skills such as building snow caves, using an avalanche probe, and melting snow for water, which are crucial for the narrator's self-sufficiency during his adventure in Alaska.

💡Snow Camping

Snow camping involves setting up camp in snowy environments, which requires specific equipment and techniques to deal with the challenges of snow and cold. The video documents the narrator's experience of snow camping in Alaska, including the construction of a snow cave and the difficulties of digging through deep snow to establish a shelter.

💡Tongass National Forest

Tongass National Forest is a large federal forest reserve in southeastern Alaska, known for its rich biodiversity and extensive areas of old-growth temperate rainforest. In the video, the Eagle Crest ski resort is mentioned as being surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, indicating the forest's role as a backdrop for the outdoor activities featured in the video.

Highlights

Luke travels to Juneau, Alaska for an adventure in the mountains, experiencing the deep snow and camping.

Juneau is located in a temperate rainforest, with an average of 230 rainy days per year, and snow accumulation in the mountains.

Douglas Island and Menen Hall Glacier are visible from Juneau, showcasing the region's natural beauty.

Eagle Crest ski resort is used as a starting point for backcountry hiking and skiing, surrounded by Tongass National Forest.

Luke explores the ski resort's summit, noting the absence of people and the impressive snow depth.

Avalanche safety is discussed, with Luke sticking close to trees to mitigate the risk.

The snow in Alaska is described as strong and dense, making it suitable for building snow caves but challenging to dig out.

Luke encounters a snowshoe hare and uses an avalanche probe to measure the snow depth, finding it deeper than his 8.5 ft probe.

The process of building a snow cave is detailed, including the challenges of dealing with trees and the physical effort required.

Snow blindness is mentioned as a risk when spending time in the snow without proper eye protection.

Luke uses a snow saw to carve out a camping spot, highlighting the difficulty of the task due to the snow's density.

The importance of a good stove for melting snow and cooking in winter conditions is emphasized.

A delicious meal of bacon-wrapped chicken shish kebabs and couscous is prepared, showcasing the outdoor cooking aspect of the adventure.

Dessert is made with brownies and whipped cream, demonstrating creativity in outdoor cooking.

Luke shares his experience of waking up to a tarmigan, a type of bird, visiting his shelter.

The video concludes with Luke reflecting on the strength and stability of the snow cave he built, and the importance of safety and preparation in outdoor activities.

Transcripts

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Related Tags

Alaskan Adventure Snow Camping Backcountry Skiing Survival Skills Juneau Rainforest Deep Snow Exploration Outdoor Survival Ski Touring Wildlife Encounter Adventure Travel