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Jan 3: Kashmir / Himachal Snow Conditions

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  Overall Theme by Zeeshan Mushtaq (dec) The western Himalayas have experienced a late start to the season, with limited early snowfall. Almost a one month later than Europe cycle as seen in the French alps However, a surprise storm at the end of December has brought much-needed snow, setting the stage for this season's base snow cover.  What’s Happened Since October? October: One of the driest Octobers in history for the western Himalaya November: Sporadic snowfall up to 5000 meters, with most snow disappearing quickly: Solar aspects: Nearly all snow melted. North-facing aspects: 1-3 cm persisted in cold, sheltered zones. December (early to mid): Late November: Precipitation higher in certain areas: Sonamarg and Gurez: Accumulations up to 1 foot in high elevations.                                    Pahalgam by Zeeshan Mushtaq ( early mid dec) Upper Kullu Valley, Gon...
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Winter Precipitation in Japan: Climate Drivers, Sea-Effect Snow

Japan’s famous deep snow is the product of a powerful interaction between cold Siberian air, a warm marginal sea, steep mountains, and several global climate patterns. This article explains how winter precipitation occurs in Japan, from local sea-effect processes to the large-scale teleconnections that control cold-air supply, storm tracks and moisture. 1. How Japan Gets So Much Snow 1.1 Sea-Effect or “Japan Sea” Snow Most of Japan’s legendary winter snow falls on the Sea of Japan side of Honshu and across Hokkaido. The mechanism is similar to Great Lakes snow in North America, but on a larger scale: In winter, the East Asian winter monsoon drives cold, dry air out of Siberia toward Japan. As this air crosses the relatively warm Sea of Japan , it picks up heat and moisture. A narrow convergence band known as the Japan Sea Polar Air Mass Convergence Zone (JPCZ) frequently forms, focusing clouds and snowfall into intense bands over the sea. ...
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8th Jan Snow Conditions: Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Manali, Keylong

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Storm Overview: A Mixed Bag The storm that arrived on January 4th and 5th carried a lot of promise on paper. A week before it hit, forecasts showed it could be a big one—potentially delivering a meter of snow. IMD meteograms looked strong, and the GFS ensemble models gave us hope. There was excitement in the air... People were keen to move up the mountains. Travel arrangements and logistics were being worked out. What actually happened? Not so much. In most regions, it was lackluster, leaving us with a patchy story of snow distribution and very different impacts depending on where you were. Region-wise Breakdown 1. Kashmir (Gulmarg and Surroundings) Snowfall and Skiing Conditions: Above Dhaba Ridge, Gulmarg By Burhan Gulmarg saw around 30-35 cm of accumulation, with wind effects creating some variability in areas especially in the alpine. Skiing wise the snow on the face value was fantastic. The cold temperatures meant the snow on the top layer was dry and light -- even down to treelin...
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