Hiking at timberline, I found a good flow of cool clear water coming out of some moss-covered ground at the base of a slide rock hill side. Took a long drink and then hiked up the mountain heading to the pass above. A short way up there was a depression in the rocks that held a small pond of water surrounded by snow. Right in the middle of the water was a decomposing deer carcass. I didn't get sick, but ever since then I always filter the water.
