The presence of pinkish snow in the Rocky Mountains is piquing the curiosities of hikers, campers and photo-seekers this summer and raising a host of questions about nature, health and climate
Jana Brough walks across pink-hued snow at Tony Grove Lake on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, near Logan, Utah. The snow's color has piqued the curiosities of hikers and campers throughout Utah this summer LOGAN, Utah — — High up in the mountains, amid pinyon pine and quaking aspen trees, the remaining remnants of the winter's snow is dotted with hues of pinks, purples and oranges.
From the roads that traverse mountain passes above Park City to the Bear River Range near the Utah-Idaho border, last winter's record snowfall is heating up, baking under the sunlight and turning hues of red. The presence of so-called “watermelon snow” — referred to unofficially due to its pinkish tint — is piquing the curiosities of photo-seeking visitors and raising a host of questions about nature, health and climate.
“They need some kind of pigmentation to prevent damage related to the high-UV of the environment they’re in. So they produce the secondary pigment largely for that purpose to protect themselves,” he said.The answer: Technically yes because it is not harmful to ingest, Hotaling said. However, it is not recommended since it is often found in melting snow banks also dotted with dirt and dust that contain toxins.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Watermelon Snow' Is The Hot Thing In Utah Right NowHikers and camper liken the pinkish snow to flavored snow cones, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, or pink lemonade.
Read more »
'Watermelon snow' piques curiosities in Utah after abnormally wet winterThe presence of pinkish snow in the Rocky Mountains is piquing the curiosities of hikers, campers and photo-seekers this summer and raising a host of questions about nature, health and climate.
Read more »
'Watermelon snow' piques curiosities in Utah after abnormally wet winterThe presence of pinkish snow in the Rocky Mountains is piquing the curiosities of hikers, campers and photo-seekers this summer and raising a host of questions about nature, health and climate
Read more »
24 Best Watermelon Recipes for July 4thFrom salsa and salads to quinoa and ice pops, these healthy watermelon recipes are healthy, delicious, and perfect for July 4th parties.
Read more »
61-year-old Indiana woman found dead in national park in Utah amid high temperaturesAn Indiana woman was found dead at Canyonlands National Park in Utah on Wednesday. Although police are still investigating the exact cause of her death, the area was extremely hot due to a heat wave most of the country is experiencing.
Read more »