NOVA Home Find out what's coming up on air Listing of previous NOVA Web sites NOVA's history Subscribe to the NOVA bulletin Lesson plans and more for teachers NOVA RSS feeds Tell us what you think Program transcripts Buy NOVA videos or DVDs Watch NOVA programs online Answers to frequently asked questions

Survival Skills
by Thom Pollard

Click on an image to select a skill

Deadly Ascent homepage



Self-Arrest Snow Cave Igloo Crevasse Rescue

Build an Igloo

Igloos can withstand hurricane-force winds. Start with a base area, packed down by stamping out the area with your feet. In a work area nearby, a second person should begin harvesting blocks about 2.5 feet wide, 1.5 feet high, and .5 feet deep.

Make the base layer of the igloo, being sure to make the igloo big enough so that up to four or more people can sleep comfortably. One person should work inside, constantly adjusting the blocks and filling in the cracks between the blocks.


The second row of blocks should be cut beveled at the bottom so the layer begins to slant inward toward the middle. Initially, the person inside must work carefully to prevent the blocks from falling; after three or so blocks are placed side by side, they should hold themselves up. Continue to work upward so that the top of the igloo is about shoulder height with the person working inside.


At the very top there will be a hole that can be filled with one single block. After completing the igloo, begin to dig downward to enlarge the inner chamber. The entrance should be dug in below the main chamber area, similar to the snow cave. Cut vents in one or two places for air circulation.


Self-Arrest Snow Cave Igloo Crevasse Rescue

Back to top




Deadly Ascent
Core-Temperature

Predicting Survival
Can medical science forecast why some people get sick climbing at high altitude while others don't?

Dispatches

Dispatches
Read accounts of the Spring 2000 expedition sent in from the field.

Climb Denali

Climb Denali
Explore the demanding route from base camp to the 20,320-foot summit.

Survival Skills

Survival Skills
What are the basic skills anyone heading into the mountains should have?

Body Breakdowns

Body Breakdowns
See how extreme cold can damage the human body.





Send Feedback Image Credits
   
NOVA Home Find out what's coming up on air Listing of previous NOVA Web sites NOVA's history Subscribe to the NOVA bulletin Lesson plans and more for teachers NOVA RSS feeds Tell us what you think Program transcripts Buy NOVA videos or DVDs Watch NOVA programs online Answers to frequently asked questions