Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Red Snow

What the heck is that??

[img]http://us.f3.yahoofs.com/users/41c4bf75z9fc8f2d7/919d/__sr_/6669.jpg?phzDNsCBnWf3jSf4[/img]

I took this picture last year on 9/1 b/t trail crest and the summit. Saw it in a few other places near the LeConte-Mallory Pass as well. I heard something about it being some kind of fungus that grows in snow (???) Anyone have a definitive answer on what it is?

Just curious...

It's red snow algae aka "watermelon snow." Usually appears late in the season when snowfields have a lot of water in them. Algae thrives in a liquid not frozen environment. It actually starts off as green looking snow algae. Something about the intensity of light makes the algae turn red to protect itself. It is not that uncommon seeing it if you hike in the Sierras at higher elevations late in spring. I've never eaten it (It is algae after all!) but I've heard people say it does taste like watermelon.

I've read that many high altitude plants are reddish due to the presence of cyanide componds that help protect the plants against the extreme cold. I wonder if this accounts for the red algae as well.... Is there a botonist in the house?

Here's a link for a long explanation
http://waynesword.palomar.edu/plaug98.htm

This is just on the fly but I learned about this and I've seen it as a kid. I was told that it's poisonous and basically don't put anything in your mouth unless you KNOW what it is (referance from a book a guide etc). If I want to taste watermellon I can bring Jolly Ranchers.

Yes, you would be quite sorry the next day if you decided to taste it. I can attest from bitter experience.

I wonder what Frank Zappa would say about red snow....