A deadman anchor is a buried object like a log, rock, or pack.
The strength of the deadman anchor depends on:
The perpendicular cross-sectional area of the object that is buried.
How deep it is buried.
The soil type (could also be snow) on top of the deadman.
The soil confinement.
The direction of pull.
To construct a deadman anchor from a log, do the following:
Dig a trench.
Tie a webbing loop around the log long enough to stick up out of the dirt.
Place the log in the trench and bury it.
Make sure to compact the soil as much as possible.
Run your rappelling rope through a rappel ring or rapide on the webbing loop.
Advantages
Deadman anchors work well in snowy conditions where trees or rocks are not readily available.
Disadvantages
Deadman anchors rarely work in canyons because the sand does not compact well around the deadman. Deadman anchors should only be used as a last resort.
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