I'm wondering if there is any scientific evidence, as opposed to speculation, on the cleanliness of drinking melted, fresh fallen snow. I would think it's no different than collecting and drinking rain water. I wouldn't take snow that's actually touching the ground, but top snow, in a container and melted should be fine I'd guess. When we were kids, we used to make real snow cones by taking bowls of snow and pouring soda over it. Any info out there on this?

My feeling is if we can't eat snow due to pollution, we probably can't drink rainwater, or snowmelt that has run into dams and into our homes via our faucets. So, should we just curl up and die?

I guess we have to get used to the idea that nothing on this planet is pure any more. Below are two sites I found regarding this question.

Here is a pseudo-scientific opinion with a sort of test you can make of your local snow: http://library.thinkquest.org/3876/eat.html

Here is a more scientific report: http://www.theorganicreport.com/pages/419_is_it_safe_to_eat_snow_.cfm

Sue

I guess it also has to do with the region.
Here you'd better not try it.

Wow, so it actually could be worse than rainwater. I guess in an emergency situation it's better than dehydration.

Methinks a rain drop forms the same way as a snowflake does, around a microscopic particle of dust. Keyword here being "microscopic". Somehow I think we'll survive.

Ah, this topic came up a few years back. Unfortunately, I didnt keep the article. Basically it stated that drinking melted snow is fine. It had to do with the temp of the air, water content, etc, etc. But, I doubt you'd die from drinking melted snow. More likely to get something from your nasty canteen cup you never wash <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I've lost track of how many articles I've read of Arctic and Antarctic explorers and mountain climbers and Canadians getting buckets of snow and melting it for their tea. It's been done for generations in all lattitudes where there's snow all winter.

Very interesting thread (to me). The only thing I can say is I eat snow every single time it snows here. It's a compulsive - one of those things I just have to do, like tilting your head back and sticking out your tongue during a summer shower.

I'm betting on living through it all.

Just stay away from colored snow, like yellow or brown. I guess if it's not white and clean...

Stretch,

My guess is that you don't wear glasses. Am I correct?

Being a long time glasses wearer, my natural instinct is to turn my glasses away from any and all forms of precipitation in order to still be able to see. That is one reason I started wearing Tilley hats - both summer and winter. The broad brims keep rain/snow off of my glasses.

Hello brother. Glasses, Tilley hats, all the time. Plus I really hate rain going up (down?) my nose...

Ken,
I wear glasses, but your guess is wrong for all the right reasons. When it rains, I shelter my glasses. Sometimes, I'll even take them off and put them in my shirt pocket before getting out of the truck and running into a store for example. Just like you.....

No, my comment about eating snow and turning upward during a refreshing summer shower is done despite my care to keep my glasses dry (and clear). I just HAVE TO DO IT <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I have melted and drank the water many times this year alone. No problems so far. Note: All snow was found at altitude with no human traffic to taint it.

Cameron