The snow contains so much air that it is not difficult to breathe in it at a considerable depth, and the accumulation of a few feet is not alarming.

Hour after hour passed, and the place grew darker, till two men of the party thought it well to look outside.

Digging to the surface, the depth proved much greater than expected.
Quite exhausted with their labor, they gained the open air, and found the storm had not ceased.

Alarmed for their companions they tried to reach them, but the hole where they ascended was completely filled.
The snow drifted rapidly, and they were obliged to change their position often to keep near the surface.

When the poorga ended they estimated it had left fifty feet of snow in that spot.
Again endeavoring to rescue their companions, and in their weak condition finding it impossible, they sought the nearest camp.