Abstract
This study presents an assessment of ecological risk associated with heavy metal contamination (Cd, Pb, Cu, As) of snow cover at three contrasting monitoring stations in southeastern Kazakhstan (Almaty-Agro, Tekeli, Mynzhilki) over the period 2005…2024. Snow cover is considered an effective indicator of seasonal technogenic load. To assess the degree of contamination and potential environmental threat, the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), potential ecological risk index (PERI), and total contamination factor (Zc) were applied. The results indicate that the highest levels of contamination and ecological risk were recorded within the urban agglomeration zone (Almaty-Agro), where RI values reached up to 600, and Igeo values for cadmium and lead exceeded 4.0, corresponding to very strong contamination. In Tekeli, con-tamination levels were characterized as moderate to high, primarily associated with local emission sources. The high-altitude Mynzhilki station generally retained background conditions, except for certain seasons marked by episodic increases in risk. The findings highlight the spatial heterogeneity of contamination and confirm the significance of snow cover as an indicator of anthropogenic environmental impact.