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Microplastic particles in dust-on-snow, Upper Colorado River Basin, Colorado Rocky Mountains, 2013–16
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Researchers found microplastic particles in dust-on-snow samples from the Upper Colorado River Basin collected between 2013 and 2016, providing early evidence that atmospheric deposition delivers microplastics to mountain snowpack. These particles join mineral dust in reducing snow reflectivity, potentially accelerating snowmelt and affecting regional water supplies.
Atmospheric dust deposited to snow cover (dust-onsnow) diminishes snow-surface albedo (SSA) to result in early onset and accelerated rate of melting, effects that challenge management of downstream water resources. During ongoing investigations to identify the light-energy absorbing dust particles most responsible for diminished SSA in the Upper Colorado River Basin of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, we found microplastic particles, which are defined as those less than 5 millimeters in any dimension. In each of the 38 samples that represented the last remaining dust layer during melt seasons of 2013-16, microplastics were identified by size, shape, and color, and their relative amounts were visually estimated using stereomicroscopy. Considering the remote, highelevation settings of the sample sites, the microplastic particles must have been deposited from the atmosphere. The possible role of microplastics for diminishing SSA of snow cover in the Upper Colorado River Basin may be linked to the solarenergy absorptive properties of polymers and is the subject of ongoing investigation.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic Particles in Dust-on-snow, Upper Colorado River Basin, Colorado Rocky Mountains, 2013-16
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastic filaments and fragments were identified in atmospheric dust deposited on snowpack across 14 sites in the Upper Colorado River Basin, with road-tire wear particles matching those found in highway road dust. This pervasive contamination threatens downstream water management and may reduce snowpack albedo, accelerating melt and disrupting regional water supplies.
Does Winter Outdoor Recreational Traffic Impact Concentrations of Microplastics in Colorado's Snowpacks? International Snow Science Workshop 2026, Whistler, Canada
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Scientists tested Colorado mountain snow for tiny plastic particles and found similar amounts whether the area had heavy ski traffic or none at all. This suggests microplastics are mainly falling from the air rather than coming from human activity, which matters since this snow eventually melts into drinking water for millions of people out West.
Analysis of small microparticles from snow in Park City, Utah (USA): How much of it is plastic?
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Fresh snow samples from ski areas in Park City, Utah contained 1,000–4,000 small microparticles per 50 mL, with a mix of synthetic polymers (nylon, polyester, PVC, polyethylene) and natural fibers, and—surprisingly—higher concentrations at a more remote, higher-altitude site than at lower-elevation resort areas. The results suggest that atmospheric deposition is carrying microplastics to mountain snowpack regardless of local human activity, and that concentrations at the high-altitude site have increased over the study period. Snow is an important reservoir and transport medium for microplastics, and mountain snowmelt may be delivering these particles into downstream watersheds.
Event-Scale Deposition of Atmospheric Microplastics in the Snow of the Sierra Nevada, USA
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Scientists studying snow in California's Sierra Nevada mountains found that tiny plastic particles (microplastics) are falling from the sky and landing in even remote, high-elevation areas, not just cities. This suggests these plastic bits are traveling long distances through the air and settling into places we might assume are pristine, like mountain snowpack that eventually melts into our water supply. While this study focused on tracking how these particles accumulate rather than testing health effects, it adds to growing evidence that microplastics are essentially everywhere in our environment, including places tied to drinking water sources.
Event-Scale Deposition of Atmospheric Microplastics in Snowfall of the Sierra Nevada in North America
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Researchers measured microplastic levels in snow across the Sierra Nevada mountains over six months, finding higher amounts near human activity than in remote areas. Wind-pattern modeling suggested nearby farms, suburbs, and local sources contributed to the microplastics falling in snow.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.