Below-Normal Snow Persistence in the Hindu Kush Himalaya Region,ICIMOD Report

According to the Snow Update Report 2024 of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Snow Persistence was significantly lower than the normal in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) this year.

• About Snow persistence (SP): It  is the fraction of time that snow remains on the ground for a defined period. 

Key Findings of the ICIMOD Report

• Comparison with Historical Records: The report analysed data on snow persistence from 2003 to 2024  and compared the persistence of seasonal snow in November 2023-April 2024 with historical records.
• Below-average Snow Cover: The Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra basins saw reduced snow cover from November 2023 to April 2024, marking decreases of 23%, 17%, and 15% respectively compared to averages from 2003-2023.
• Dramatic fall in the Helmand and Amu Darya River basin:  Originating from the Hindu Kush Himalaya region, the Helmand River basin, which flows into southwestern Afghanistan and eastern Iran, witnessed a notable 31.8% decrease in snow persistence.
  • The Amu Darya river basin, one of Central Asia’s longest rivers, experienced its lowest snow persistence with a significant 28.2% decrease below normal levels.
• Consistent trend: Snow cover in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) has shown a consistent trend of decreasing amounts and duration in 2024. Example- 13 out of the last 22 years have recorded below-average seasonal snow persistence in the region.
• Regional Trends in Snow Persistence: There is a trend of decreasing below-average snow persistence from east to west across the HKH region.
  • The most dramatic declines are in the west, where its contribution to water supply is the highest.
• Snow Trends and Implications for Water Security: This below-average snow accumulation on the ground poses a significant risk to early summer water availability this year.

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Way Forward

• Need for Proactiveness: There is a need for the proactiveness of the Stakeholders in addressing these challenges to mitigate potential water shortages, update plans to accommodate water stress, and to notify communities of the risks.
• Immediate activation of Drought management strategies by governments: It is crucial for safeguarding water resources and supporting affected communities during periods of reduced precipitation.
• Water Management:  Promoting rainwater collection for irrigation and other activities could enhance water management practices.
• Collaborative Efforts: There is a need for collaboration among countries sharing transboundary rivers to update their water management laws to ensure long-term resilience to climate change.