Stories in the Snow

Project Partners: Desert Research Institute, Tahoe Ski Resorts
Total Project Cost: $200,000
Tahoe Fund Goal: $30,000

Did you know the shape of a snowflake can tell a lot about the storm that created it? Scientists at the Desert Research Institute (DRI) are studying how our winters are changing. And now with your help, they can gather important storm data and snowflake images from throughout the Tahoe region to help in that quest.

The Tahoe Fund is partnering with DRI to provide 1,500 “Stories in the Snow” kits to visitors of Tahoe area ski resorts so they can help collect microscopic images of snowflakes using their smartphones and a special portable macro-lense.

Each “Story in the Snow” kit contains a macro lens, thermometer and snow crystal capture card. With these kits, participants can take pictures of freshly-fallen snow with their smartphone and macro lens, then send their images to the Stories in Snow team through the Tahoe Citizen Science App.  They will be engaging in important science and environmental stewardship as they learn about our snow.

Thanks to the Mathman Family, every dollar raised between now and December 31, 2019 will be matched toward the purchase of the “Stories in the Snow” kits and the distribution events that will make this important work possible.

Learn more about Stories in the Snow from this Science Friday segment.