Record Low Snow Persistence in Hindu Kush Himalaya Signals Water Crisis
A recent report reveals alarming declines in snow persistence within the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, often referred to as the “third pole” due to its vast water resources. During the winter of 2024-2025, snow persistence hit a 23-year low, measuring 23.6% below normal levels. This development poses a significant threat to the water security of nearly two billion individuals dependent on the snowmelt from this vital area.
Significance of Snowmelt in the Region
On average, snowmelt from the HKH region contributes approximately 25% of the total runoff for twelve major river basins across eight countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Myanmar, and Pakistan. The annual Hindu Kush Himalaya Snow Update, produced by the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), highlights this critical snow persistence data, specifically addressing the snow typically present from November to March.
Emerging Concerns Over Water Security
The report underscores a troubling trend: the continuous deficit of meltwater will likely lead to diminished river runoff, especially during dry periods and early in the melt season. This pattern necessitates urgent adaptation strategies in water resource management, particularly for downstream communities coping with intensifying summer extremes.
Historical Context and Frequency of Declines
Historically, the region has experienced years with below-normal snow persistence—thirteen such years from 2003 to 2025. However, the increasing frequency and severity of these occurrences are alarming. The winter of 2024-2025 marks the third consecutive year of below-normal snow persistence in the HKH region, igniting concerns about long-term water availability.
Expert Insights on the Current Situation
Sher Muhammad, a remote sensing specialist at ICIMOD and the report’s lead expert, described the recurring deficit as an “alarming trend.” ICIMOD’s director general, Pema Gyamtsho, emphasized the need for sustainable policy solutions to confront this issue in the long run. “Carbon emissions have already locked in an irreversible course of recurrent snow anomalies in the HKH,” Gyamtsho stated.
The Broader Impact of Climate Change
The ramifications of rising temperatures and water scarcity in the region are already producing climate refugees. A 2023 study by ICIMOD indicated that glaciers in the HKH are melting at an unprecedented rate, projected to lose up to 80% of their volume by the end of the century unless significant measures to reduce emissions are enacted. Additionally, a United Nations agency reported that between 2022 and 2024, the world experienced the largest three-year glacier loss on record.
Conclusion
The data presented in this report serves as a critical warning, emphasizing the urgent need for adaptive strategies to manage water resources and combat the ongoing impacts of climate change within the vulnerable Hindu Kush Himalaya region.
For further details, visit the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development.
