The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region has recorded its lowest snow persistence in 23 years, marking the third consecutive year of below-normal snowfall.

The data on the recorded snow persistence was made public on Snow Update Report 2025 by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). Snow persistence refers to the duration snow remains on the ground after falling—dropped to -23.6%, marking a vicennial low, the lowest level recorded in the past 20 years, signaling severe implications for water availability across 12 major Asian river basins.

Seasonal snowmelt contributes significantly to river runoff, especially in western basins. The report showed alarming deficits in the Mekong (-51.9%), Salween (-48.3%), Brahmaputra (-27.9%), and Ganges (-24.1%) basins, among others. 

The findings point to a looming water crisis across the HKH region, with below-normal snow persistence threatening early summer water availability and posing risks to agriculture, hydropower, and drinking water. 

The report urges adaptive water management, early warnings, and coordinated drought response in snow-dependent areas of South Asia.