The Himalayan winter snow cover has plunged to a 23-year low, with 2025 levels recorded at 23.6% below normal. This dramatic decline has led to what experts are calling “snow droughts,” severely affecting water security for approximately 2 billion people across Asia. The diminishing snowpack, combined with accelerated glacial melt, poses significant threats to rivers like the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra, which are vital sources of water for farming, drinking, and hydropower generation.
A Declining Snowpack in the Hindu Kush-Himalaya
Scientific analyses show that snow persistence in the Hindu Kush-Himalaya (HKH) region is at its lowest level in over two decades, with four out of the past five winters falling below normal snowfall. The reduction in snow accumulation, particularly between 3,000 and 6,000 meters in altitude, is troubling because this snowpack serves as the primary source of meltwater for major river systems in South Asia. As the region faces reduced snowfall, the meltwater needed to sustain these rivers throughout the year is significantly diminished, leading to serious concerns about the availability of water for agriculture and consumption.
Rising Temperatures and Weakened Storms to Blame
Experts point to two key factors driving this snow deficit: the weakening of westerly disturbances, which bring moisture to the region during winter, and the rise in global temperatures. These changes have resulted in fewer, less intense snowfalls and accelerated glacial melt. As a result, the water stored in snow and glaciers, which usually melts slowly and feeds rivers throughout the year, is rapidly disappearing, leaving millions of people at risk.
Downstream Risks to Asia’s Water Security
The reduction in snowpack poses a cascade of downstream risks, particularly for communities relying on these river systems for food, water, and electricity. Decreased snow and glacial meltwater directly affect agricultural productivity, hydropower generation, and the availability of clean water for consumption. This snow and ice retreat is not just a regional concern; it has far-reaching implications for Asia’s food security and energy production.
Urgency for Climate Adaptation Strategies
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has emphasized the urgent need for water management and climate adaptation strategies in response to these changes. The declining snowpack and rapid glacial retreat require immediate action to protect the water resources of the 2 billion people who depend on these rivers. Without proper mitigation strategies, the region will face severe challenges in ensuring sustainable water supplies, food security, and energy production in the coming decades.
