Dangers
People climbing on the structure are the primary reason why quinzhees collapse. A collapsing quinzhee can be very dangerous if someone gets caught inside. Just as in an avalanche, the weight of the snow often makes it impossible to dig oneself free. Suffocation may occur if the occupants are not rescued quickly enough. In addition to this, many quinzhees collapse during their construction for a variety of reasons, including poor snow conditions, warm weather, construction problems (hitting a supporting wall) or failure to let the snow set long enough. To protect oneself against collapse during construction, one should only dig a quinzhee while on one's knees, never one's back. In the event of collapse, someone stands a much better chance at digging themselves out if they are on their knees.
It is generally advised that a quinzhee should only be constructed alone if in a survival situation.
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