Is Eating Fresh Snow Safe In Yakima Valley? Here’s What To Know

Oh, you've been there and don't pretend like you haven't.

Yakima Valley hasn't gotten a lot of snow, yet, but it may dump sooner than later. When it does, will you try some?

It's something most kids do. It's like light, soft ice free from the skies and, sometimes, in over-abundance.

But how safe is it, really, to eat snow?

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How Safe is Snow?

You may have your mom or even your neighbors mom telling you to not eat the snow that just fell, pleasantly layered on the fence or table in a neat pile. You can just scoop some up and eat it straight away or ball it up first or even just go hands-free and lean into it, face-first.

Sure, there's the dangers of yellow snow that we don't need to get into, but, really, is snow safe for consumption?

Well, according to the Wexner Medical Center, it's safe in small doses.
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You probably shouldn't fill up on it or anything, but a little probably won't harm you.

There are some variables to consider when it comes to eating snow, though.

If it's snow that's freshly-fallen. Not the snow that's been on the ground for the past week.

It's snow away from a busy street so it's not full of dirt, dust, and other pollutants.

It's not snow during smoky conditions in the Yakima Valley

Other regional things to consider when it comes to eating snow is to make sure it's not snow that's near a furnace or dryer exhaust or anything that could further contaminate the snow.

But, yes, having a quick bite of snow right after it has fallen should be just fine. In a small amount, of course.