Anchor a tarp or tent for a storm

Step-by-step

1. 1

   Replace stakes with deadman anchors — bury a stick, rock, or stuff sack full of gravel horizontally with the guyline tied around it.

2. 2

   In snow, dig a T-slot: cut a channel across the guy direction, lay a stake or stuff sack horizontally, and pack snow over it.

3. 3

   Add secondary guylines from mid-panel tie-outs on every wall — not just corners.

4. 4

   Angle guylines at 45° from the tarp to the anchor for the strongest pull-through-shear geometry.

5. 5

   Re-tension every 2–4 hours during a long storm as ground softens and cords stretch when wet.

Tip: Cut short (4-inch) toggles from sticks and larks-head your cord around them — they hold better than tied loops when guys need to be adjusted repeatedly.