"...a tree well is a hole in the deep snow, which is clearly marked by a tree. You can easily identify and avoid these areas."
The issue I raise is not whether an obvious tree marks the obvious spot, but how far away from that obvious signpost must one be to avoid "cave in" of a dangerous loose-spindrift roof or bank around the tree. I realize there is no perfect number.
Bee knows I am just trying to understand Mother Nature. I don't have the answers, but sometimes a question from a newbie (re: tree holes) can occasionally be useful, at least to me, and maybe others. Thanks.
Harvey