Retro Research: 2015 Dust Storm Unveils Hidden Metals in Utah Snowpack

In April 2015, a powerful storm swept across the western USA, causing high winds and a massive dust storm that affected air quality in the eastern Great Basin.

Dust from this event settled on the snowpack in the Wasatch Range near Salt Lake City, Utah.

This unique study tracked the storm's progression and measured the composition of the dust, revealing high levels of heavy metals likely from nearby mines.

Understanding the impact of such events is crucial for assessing environmental effects and the quality of drinking water from snowmelt.