leave no trace – snow shelters

[Max B]

I've been told and read that one should tear down your snowcave/shelter after your use of it is over – and even recently read that one should demolish their wind breaks. I wondered what others felt about this.

Obviously there is an aesthetic impact, but if I found a site with existing walls built for wind breaks I think I would be pretty happy about it.

I understand demolishing snow caves due to it causing a potential hazard to future hikers/users.

[USA Duane Hall]

The folks I bp with will fill in best we can any holes, especially if in an area where skiers may travel through on their way down a hill. Snow sets up pretty hard overnight, so you can only do so much. You can't totally remove your traces, it's not like it will take decades for nature to recover from your stay. Next storm, all looks fine, summer comes, nothing. On my solo trips, I'll throw a few shovels of snow in the hole in front of my shelter where I had sat cooking.
Duane

[Jeffs Eleven]

I wonder about this too. I agree (until I'm told I'm 'wrong') that it depends on the spot.

If its in the campground area I'll leave it. …Helps others and I'd like to find em If I was camping there. But if it were in the trail or a ski lane or whatever I'd tear it down.

I think LNT was more aimed at taking care of the Earth rather than making it purty for people. But if safety is an issue, as with skiing, tear it down.

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