How to make an Underground Bunker / Shelter

[Watch Ryder]

Mike, the owner, dug it out from 1995 to 1997 by hand with no mechanized equipment to help him. This was at 10,000 feet elevation with short summer seasons. The most expensive consideration was buying concrete (about 100 bags of 80 lb concrete) to the total of $1000 - $1500.

Unfortunately there are no pictures (that I am aware of) of the 1995-97 digging as this was before digital cameras and the builder was on his own with no-one to take pictures. (I don't think he began taking pictures until 1999-2000?).

[Watch Ryder]

The plan (not followed to the letter, but you'll get the picture)



Blast Doors:

These are steel and reinforced with concrete in the event of a big TEOTWAKI.



Roof Cross-section (sort-of):

Three layers of logs, 6 layers of waterproof sheeting, concrete and dirt:



Bunk-beds and Ladder for accessing Emergency Hatch

[Watch Ryder]

Emergency Hatch



Landscaping and drainage ongoing:



Gun Port



Stores and Tools

[Watch Ryder]

Covert Exhaust system for Stove (tree stump faces road):



Roof goes into the Mountain! Maybe one day they'll be another tunnel going to the Cabin Build (that's another story though )



The design and plans shown in the vid are of a small pole shelter triple-clad with roof logs and sheeting (waterproof).

This allows the weight of concrete and earth on top for the overhead. For the walls logs and steel 'H' Beams along with more sheeting (waterproof) then earth.

The internal space resembles an 'L' shape as recommended for fallout / blast shelters. This is small but incredibly strong and resistant to cave-ins, earthquakes, disasters. The shelter is multi-functional with two bunks and two stoves providing heat.

A main entrance with a steel blast door and an emergency exit / trapdoor are installed.

The year round temperature is about 35 - 45 degrees without being heated. The bunker has been featured on multiple social-sites and Mike is often contacted by television companies for it to be shown on mainstream broadcasts. The Colony short-listed him for appearing on the show but ultimately another was chosen.

However when the challenging conditions are revealed to TV companies (short accessible seasons, snow fall requiring snow-mobiles etc) the producers normally go for an easy access bunker elsewhere and underground shelters that are more fancy.

This is doable by any able-bodied male (or female if driven enough) with the right location.

[Watch Ryder]

The location inspired a fictional film which was shot at Mike's Bunker called After The Fall / Raiders of the Mountain Hold:

[Harry Henderson]

I think you need to consult with an interior decorator.

[Sky]

I knew that lone biker was up to no good.

[Watch Ryder]

I think you need to consult with an interior decorator.

LOL. Not my place, I just had exclusive access. It's not for the chic prepper types that's for sure.

[Watch Ryder]

I knew that lone biker was up to no good.

Yeah, he's a sneaky one that guy.

[Harry Henderson]

I knew that lone biker was up to no good.

Considering the lack of character development, I will reserve my jump to conclusions. For all we know, the biker was just a neighbor trying to borrow a file set.

I assume this is like Star Wars where they back-fill the story in the sequel

[Sky]

Holy moly, talk about intense.

I can't wait for part 2. I thought MM Mike was a goner when the lone bikers friend took out his peep mirror. But no way. MMMike says ' "you attacked the wrong bunker didn't ya!"

Phew......

[Harry Henderson]

I just hope they give Chuck Norris a cameo

[Sky]

I tell you what, if Chuck Norris was in that film, The lone biker never would've made it down that dirt road

[TheRabbit]

Not this stupid shit again!

[Harry Henderson]

Sky Loan Bikers!!!! Nothing scarier than a person on a ten speed bike trying to lock you into a high interest payday loan.