A Quinza can be built in virtually any snow conditions. That is why the Indians of the northern plains of North America came up with this housing form. Unlike those lucky Eskimos, the snow in say North Dakota is neither deep nor uniform from year-to-year or day-to-day for that matter. These winter shelters are possible virtually anywhere there is snow. Here is one built by a reader in New Jersey:
(click to enlarge)
To build one just pack down (break the crust) the snow in about a 10' circle. Then pile snow in the middle about 5' to 6' high. Be sure to pack the snow while you are piling it (crawl around on it). Then let it set-up for an hour or two before hollowing it out. Dig your door down-wind at ground level. I use a sled for carrying my gear that makes a nice door for the Quinza so I size the door opening so my sled will fit snuggly. As you hollow the inside out make your floor about 8" or more (the more the better) higher than ground level. The higher you make your floor the warmer your Quinza will be. Level your floor as you hollow the inside out, because, as you are crawling around digging and such you are continually packing the floor. Once the floor crystallizes, if you have not leveled it, it may be very lumpy to sleep on. The walls of your Quinza should be about 8" to 12" thick (12"+ if the snow is granular). To check the wall thickness, poke an ice ax; shovel handle or ski pole through every once in a while. These holes are easy to plug later with snowballs. Smooth the inside of the wall and ceiling with the back of your shovel, any pointy or choppy snow will be a point that drips as the snow melts during the night. We usually cover the floor with a tent rain fly. You can now move in. Make shelves in the walls and chimneys for stoves, candles, lanterns or any other gear that needs venting. Use caution when heating the inside of a Quinza with a stove or portable heater that you do not over heat it and have a cave in. We usually leave one vent in the top (not near our faces) for fresh air during the night.
Quinzas usually stay between 35 to 45 degrees during the night even in the coldest weather. You will need a closed cell foam pad or an inflatable sleeping pad (we use both at the same time), because, although the air will be warm, your floor is still made of snow and will stay cold. Always wear as much wool or plastic clothing as possible (i.e. nylon, polypropylene, polyester, acrylic) as they stay dryer and warmer than most other materials. Insulation from the ground and staying dry as possible are the keys to having fun Quinza camping.