Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board New WPSMB Outing: Igloo Building on the MR

Wish I could join in the fun, but it's just too long of a drive from Sac. My son and I have been building and camping in igloos in the Tahoe NF most every winter for years. I hear alot about "igloo tools" and I assume someone has an Ice Box by Grand Shelters http://grandshelters.com/

This tool makes a beautiful sturdy igloo with perfect catenary curves, but... it's difficult to get one built in one short winter day. The critical path isn't the number of people involved, it just takes time to fill and pack each block, and sometimes you have to wait for it to setup before moving the form. In 2011, we went back to the igloo and it survived 6 feet of snow on top. It was spooky digging down into it but it held up.

Anyway, this sounds like a lot of fun. If a friend is interested in this adventure, I might join in. I've also built a couple pulks to haul gear.

Sooooooooo

Is meeting at the Portal Store going to cause some logistical issues in the winter or will there be a snowcat shuttle?

Climb high my thoughts were the same, two or three forms per igloo would be faster, one on each end and another starting a next row above back in the middle. No different than basic masonry construction. Wet snow and cold weather would help. We could use pam to spray the form for easier release. Just don't forget a tent and bag. Carol, it might be a hike to the Portal, not sure what conditions will be, snow shoes? Micro spikes, I'm going with trail bud he has a sled to haul our stuff or not. Will tell when it gets closer.

I wonder, can we build little campfire? Might bring marshmallows. I'm thinking there are some details we won't be finalize until the week before, when we have a better idea of conditions.

Rosie... indeed, been a long time and looking forward to seeing you and the others!

Wonder if there'll be enough snow to build igloos for everyone?!?!?

I have a snow shovel, but that's about it as far as snow tools. Im willing to build my own, under the direction of an igloo contractor, of course.

Bringin' my Bibler iTent as well.

Wow, 3 tools going at one time, that would take some good coordination, but it should really speed things up if you can keep from tripping over each other. I've often thought about buying a second one.

I found that sprinkling a little water on each layer of compacted snow helps the block set up - really makes a difference with dry snow. I also made a tamping tool for compaction.

Hi Just ordered one of the templates from the above Company and talked with someone there sounds like a few tricks , first I had thought pack the snow in the tool but he said not and will take a little pratice but should take about 5 hours to build after we get the hang of it. 9'-11' will sleep 3 easy 8' is tight.Ordering seam sealer for the old Sierra Design Tee-Pee .

Plastic shovels, rake? may have , Plan ? snow movers ,snow loaders, great thinkers?

They (used to) have some instructional videos at their website...

That's the same tool (still in the shipping box) that I've been stubbing my toes on for the past few years.

BTW: I'll volunteer to carry up a few dozen Hamburger Buns...

Hi Richard I have always been one of those discover type learners you know fail a few hundred time use as much strength as you have and beat it together, Why just a few weeks ago Myles was using the same method and the only thing stopping the drill going through his thumb was the bone but he left a good dent in that!


So as you know I have no ideal how to load a picture or anything on the site could you do that for us? Thanks Doug

Here's a few pictures on how to build them with the Grand Shelter igloo building kit. You anchor the center point and build up in a spiral.

Hi Thanks Doug that looks like it is high enough so shelter and Bar!

Oooh, winter barbecue at the Portal ... oooh ... if someone shares sled space, I'll kick in some meat for the, um, grill? Or maybe just build a fire and roast potatoes and stuff on it .....?

Here's a video of the tool in use. From back when it used to actually snow, apparently. http://youtu.be/6QHsTRfionk

This video is set to "Love Shack." Funny. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZEi-KF8tq4. Description of how to is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkDBQ4edKS0

I got room on the sled, bring what you want.

The snow is indeed "packed" into the box form. Not sure what they told you or what you meant, but it's compacted in layers into the box, typically 3 layers. I usually sprinkle water on each layer - depending on snow texture. An 8 footer is small, not recommended. Five hours seems reasonable for a 9ft igloo with plenty of help. That means hiking in and getting started in the morning and serious nonstop effort all afternoon to beat the sunset. This group could pull off a large igloo (10-11 ft diameter) in that time I'm guessing, but I recommend start building by mid-morning for a bigger one. One other idea to share, a small piece of plexiglass can make a nice window. And don't forget the vent holes, candles, and bar.

Wish I could join in the fun, it's just such a long drive. I'll try to post some pix for kicks and show that tamping tool I made to compact the snow in the box.

I am making that drive. From the confluence of the Rivers. Come join the fun. PM me if you want to talk carpool.

There's that word, "confluence" again! lol

Stacy

Carpool option changes the calculus. I'll PM you when we get closer to the date. It's still a lot of travel time but it would be a fun adventure.

Trailbud;

exactly "how" much room is in the sled? Could I fit on it?
How about The Mouse?


I hear rumor that Climbing Magazine's new issue has one of our own in it.

It's about 2x5' long. Yes you could fit on it if nothing else was put on it. Maybe for the ride down.
By the time you put snow gear, packs, and some little stuff that's about it. You have to keep the load low.
Otherwise it get's too top heavy and won't work as it should.
First we need snow.

Here's what they look like, I built them a few years ago.

. Dec jan issue?