'Watermelon' snow in Sierra Nevada

Weather.com -- People in eastern California are wondering why their snow-capped mountains are suddenly pink!

High in the sierra Nevada mountain range exists an odd phenomena it's called "watermelon snow" not just because it looks like the fruit it actually smells like it, too.

However, that's where the similarities end. Turns out, the pink stuff is algae.

During the winter, it becomes dormant. But, in the spring and summer, the increasing amount of sunlight triggers the germination process.

The algae then rise to the surface where they appear as pink patches.

So, while it may look and smell like watermelon pulp it might be best to avoid eating it.