Four feet and below: Here is a district-wise analysis of Kashmir’s snowfall

28 December 2024

Srinagar: Over the past 24 hours, a significant snowfall event has brought brought cheers to farmers and snow lovers even as life has come to a standstill in many parts of Kashmir region and mountainous areas of Jammu region.

This much-awaited snowfall, the heaviest in South Kashmir in several years, has dumped big snowfall across the region, mainly on mountain passes in South Kashmir.

Sinthan Top connecting Kishtwar in Jammu with South Kashmir, emerged as the snowiest spot in, with a heavy 4 feet of snow. This heavy snowfall has made it inaccessible for the time being.

Margan Top, another high-altitude mountain pass connecting Warwan Valley to South Kashmir, received a hefty 4 feet of snow.

Peer Ki Gali, located along the historic Mughal Road, recorded 3 feet of snow. However, the heavy snowfall has disrupted connectivity on the Mughal Road, a key alternate route between Jammu and Kashmir.

Baltal, a base camp for the annual Amarnath Yatra, was blanketed under 3 feet of snow.

D.K. Marg, a high-altitude area in Kulgam, also recorded 3 feet of snow.

Hirpora, situated along the Mughal Road in Shopian, received 3 feet of snow.

Daksum, a serene valley near Kokernag, recorded 2.5 feet of snow.

Kapran, near the historic Verinag Spring, received 2.5 feet of snow.

Qazigund, often referred to as the gateway to Kashmir, saw 2 feet of snow.

Here is a district-wise analysis of the snow based on data compiled by Kashmir Weather:

Anantnag district: Recepient of heavy snow

Anantnag, one of South Kashmir’s main fruit producing districts, received widespread snowfall across its plains and highlands. The plains of Anantnag recorded a substantial depth of 1 foot 5–7 inches, while towns like Achabal and Dialgam experienced 1 foot 8 inches and 1 foot 6 inches of snow, respectively. Bijbehara and Pahalgam each saw similar accumulations of 1 foot 6 inches, whereas Batkoot received a slightly lower 1 foot 4 inches. However, the higher-altitude areas of Dooru and Qazigund stood out with an impressive snowfall of 2 feet 3 inches, while Kokernag recorded a solid 2 feet.

Pulwama district: Moderate yet substantial

In Pulwama, the snow depths varied from 10 inches in Pampore to 1 foot in Awantipura and Drabgam. Pulwama town recorded 10–11 inches. The picturesque town of Tral, received 1 foot 3 inches of snow, offering a stunning winter landscape.

Kulgam district: Heavily snowed!

Kulgam witnessed some of the highest snow accumulations in the valley. The mountain hamlets of Manzgam recorded 1 foot 9 inches, while Wanpoh and Khudwani were blanketed under 1 foot 7 inches. The main town of Devsar and areas like D.H. Pora received a staggering 2 feet 3 inches and over 2 feet of snow, respectively, with Aharbal, known for its famed waterfalls, recording over 2 feet as well.

Shopian district: Apple basket gets it big

Shopian district, known for its orchards and high-altitude terrain, received considerable snowfall. Adjian, Heff, and Herman each recorded over 1.5 feet of snow. The heavy snow disrupted daily life but added to the district’s scenic beauty.

Srinagar: Moderate snowfall in the capital

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, received 8 inches of snow. Though moderate compared to southern districts, the snowfall still brought cheer to residents and tourists alike.

Ganderbal district: Light but good

In Ganderbal, the snowfall was lighter, with Laar receiving 6 inches and Ganderbal town 7 inches. The higher-altitude areas of Zojila recorded 1 foot 2 inches, while Sonamarg, a favorite among tourists, saw 8 inches of snow.

Budgam district: A moderate cover

Budgam district witnessed 7 inches of snow in its plains, with Charar-i-Sharief, known for its revered shrine of Sheikh Nooruddin Wali (RA), receiving 10 inches. Yusmarg has received over 2 foot of snow.

Bandipora district: Light snow

Bandipora recorded comparatively lighter snowfall. The alpine town of Gurez, which normally receives heavy snowfall, received 5–6 inches, while Garoora and Bandipora plains saw 10 inches and 4 inches, respectively.

Baramulla just got it moderate

In Baramulla, the town itself received 4–5 inches, while Sopore recorded 5–6 inches. Rafiabad and Pattan witnessed 6 and 5 inches, respectively. Higher altitudes places like Kunzer received 9 inches, and the winter sports hub of Gulmarg recorded 1 foot 3 inches, making it a hotspot for on the New Year’s eve and skiing enthusiasts.

Kupwara district: Light snowfall in the north

Kupwara experienced some of the lightest snowfall in the valley, with the plains receiving only 1.5 inches. Pazipora recorded 1–2 inches, Chowkibal 3 inches, and Langate 2–3 inches.

Jammu region receives a sprinkle of snow in the hills

In the Jammu region, snowfall was limited but noticeable in higher-altitude areas. Kishtwar recorded 4–5 inches, while Budhal in Rajouri received 10 inches. Doda’s main town saw 2–3 inches, and Bhaderwah was blanketed under 4 inches. Ramban’s Banihal received 5–8 inches, and Batote experienced 2 inches of snow.