True or False? The Most Enduring Myths About Snow and Ice

Eating Snow for Hydration: A Frosty Misconception

In survival scenarios, the myth that eating snow can provide hydration is both true and false. While snow is indeed frozen water, consuming it directly can lower body temperature, increasing the risk of hypothermia. The energy required to melt snow in the body can outweigh the hydration benefits. In emergencies, it's safer to melt snow into water before consumption. This method prevents body heat loss and provides a more effective means of hydration. Thus, while snow is a potential water source, the manner of consumption is crucial, highlighting the need to approach this myth with caution.