It is snowing in Ladakh this March, when it should typically be spring. A fresh blanket of snow covered the rugged peaks, making the high altitude like a winter postcard. Environmental researcher Dr. Lobzang Chorol shared images of the snow-covered mountains. But while the images looked beautiful, they signal a growing concern.

This late snowfall and winter precipitation in the Himalayas are signs of weaker western disturbances and increasing temperatures. Recently there has been very little snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladak and whatever snow fall happened that melted quickly rather than forming a stable layer, which is a key source for water systems through the year in Ladakh.

Why is the snowfall in March unusual?

In Ladakh, snowfall usually happens between December and February. This snow accumulated and melted slowly, helping to feed streams, recharge groundwater and keep the springs alive even in summer. But now the unusual snowfall and precipitation are slowly shifting the rhythm and are not very helpful for the valley. Snowfall is disappearing quickly after arrival, causing the valley to remain dry.  The immediate consequences of this untimely snowfall and quick melting are visible: the groundwater reserve has started weakening, springs are drying up, and farming has been affected as a result. This has caused a huge water risk.

Indirect effect on glaciers

The rate at which the glaciers are melting increases the chance of flooding. Farmers are already started feeling the stress, especially the farmers cultivating apricots. Since apricot trees mostly depend on winter chill and erratic weather, there has been a 20-40 percent reduction in cultivation. Scientists suggest that even a small drop in snowfall can destabilize the snowpacks on mountain slopes, leading to flood stress.

While scientists and researchers hint at fast-approaching climate change, the people of Ladakh face it every day. While the late snowfall looks picturesque, it signals that the climate is changing fast.

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