Dry winter conditions leave Lahaul-Spiti battling invisible Ice hazards
Photo of Darcha bridge used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, Dec 18,
Weather forecasts for the next 48 hours indicate negligible chances of rain or snowfall across Keylong, Udaipur and Kaza. Private forecasting agencies as well as national weather data suggest mostly cloudy to partly cloudy conditions, with precipitation probability remaining low. The India Meteorological Department has also not issued any weather warning for the district during this period.
The Weather Channel predict mostly cloudy to partly cloudy conditions with rainfall probability ranging between zero and 24 percent.
Despite the absence of active weather systems, winter hazards continue to pose serious challenges in the high-altitude region. Officials point out that extremely low night temperatures are leading to the formation of black ice on roads — a thin, nearly invisible layer of ice that significantly increases the risk of skidding and accidents.
Several interior and high-altitude roads remain either closed or restricted as a precautionary measure. The Gramphu–Rohtang Pass stretch on NH-003 and the Darcha–Sarchu road have been closed, while the Gramphu–Batal and Lossar–Batal stretches on NH-505 are also shut.
Only limited connectivity is available on a few routes, with Gramphu–Koksar open only for light motor vehicles and Darcha–Shinkula road accessible exclusively for 4×4 vehicles. In Spiti subdivision, one PWD road at Chandra Tal remains blocked.
Authorities have cautioned that even stretches appearing dry during daytime hours can quickly turn slippery after sunset due to freezing conditions. Roads connecting interior villages and higher passes remain especially vulnerable.
Local administration officials said that road closures are not linked to snowfall alone but are often enforced due to icy surfaces, frost accumulation, and limited daylight, which make mechanical intervention and emergency response difficult.
Residents and drivers have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, strictly follow official advisories, and use only appropriate vehicles equipped for winter driving. The administration has reiterated that movement on restricted routes without permission may invite penalties, as safety remains the priority in the fragile winter environment.
Meanwhile, the prolonged absence of substantial snowfall has also sparked concern among local communities. Residents say snow is critical for sustaining natural water reserves and maintaining agricultural cycles in the region. A weak snow season, they warn, could translate into water stress during the summer months.
As Lahaul-Spiti navigates a winter marked more by cold and ice than snowfall, authorities remain on alert, balancing road safety measures with the daily needs of people living in one of Himachal Pradesh’s most challenging terrains.
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