There's a variation of these tree wells which you can encounter when peakbagging in northern New England which are called "spruce traps". Fortunately, they're usually not fatal, but are still very tiring when you have to dig yourself out of them.
In northern New England, there are distinct zones, based on altitude, where there's a progression of hardwoods down low, then white birch, and then spruce before treeline. It's in the spruces that you have to use care. You can avoid the obvious - getting too close to an obvious tree. The "trap" occurs when you snowshoe over a small tree - maybe 3'-4' tall - hidden under the snow. Sometimes you plunge up to your armpits, and the snowshoes get tangled the branches. It's no fun, and sometimes requires the help of your companions to get you out.
