Snowfall Accumulation in Jammu and Kashmir. As of January 16, 2026, Skardu is experiencing its first significant snowfall of the year. Ladakh major arterial passes such as Zojila to Srinagar closed - UKJNews

As of today, January 16, 2026, the Jammu and Kashmir regions (divided by the Line of Control into Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Azad Jammu and Kashmir) is experiencing the peak of the "Chillai Kalan" winter period, which runs from December 21, 2025, to January 31, 2026. 

However, this winter has been marked by an unusually dry spell overall, with snowfall well below historical averages—estimated at 40% less in many areas due to climate trends and fewer strong Western Disturbances. Snow has primarily accumulated in higher elevations, while plains remain largely snow-free. Recent light to moderate snowfalls have occurred in isolated spots, but a more significant spell is forecasted for later in the month (around January 19-26).

The "divide" refers to the Line of Control (LoC), separating the two administrations. Below is a breakdown of snowfall accumulation based on meteorological reports, local observations, and forecasts up to mid-January 2026. Accumulations vary by elevation: plains (below 2,000m) have seen minimal snow, mid-elevations (2,000-3,000m) have light dustings, and high elevations (above 3,000m) have moderate to heavy build-up in pockets.

Snowfall Accumulation Summary (Estimated as of Jan 16, 2026)

In Srinagar & Kashmir Valley Plains (e.g., Anantnag, Shopian) Plains (1,500-2,000m) 0.2 inches Dry spell dominant; no major snow in plains. Temperatures dipped to -3.9°C to -7.5°C, but little precipitation.

Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg Higher Reaches (2,500-4,000m) 4-12 inches (fresh layers from early Jan) Light snow on Jan 1 (first of the year), additional 4 inches on Jan 6 in nearby Mughal Road. Tourist spots like Gulmarg saw blankets of 4-8 inches, boosting New Year visits but still below normal.

Pir Panjal Ranges (Poonch, Bhalessa) High Mountains (3,000 4,500m) 8 18 inches Heavy snow in isolated ranges since Jan 2; caps visible on peaks. Avalanche warnings issued for 5 districts.

Muzaffarabad/Neelum Valley Plains Plains/Mid (1,000-2,500m) 2-6 inches. Gentle snowfall ended a three-month dry spell in upper Neelum; plains saw light dustings. Forecasts indicate near-normal to slightly above-normal for mid-Jan.

Neelum Valley Higher Reaches (e.g., Arang Kel, Sharda) Higher Reaches (2,500-4,000m)

12-24 inches (heavy in spots). Stormy snowfall since mid-Jan has led to 1-2 feet in peaks; dozens of tourists stranded. Above-normal snowfall predicted for high elevations over 5,000 feet.

Notes on Accumulation: 

• Total seasonal snow so far is lower than average across both sides, with a "snow economy breakdown" reported due to climate change impacts. Higher areas have seen episodic falls (e.g., Jan 1-6), but no widespread heavy event yet.

• Forecasts: Light snow in higher reaches today (Jan 16-17); moderate to heavy possible Jan 19-26, potentially adding 6-12 inches in valleys and 1-3 feet in mountains.

Impacts on Communication and Transportation

The mountainous terrain of Jammu and Kashmir exacerbates snowfall's effects, leading to frequent disruptions in roads, power, internet, and even rail services. This winter's mix of snow in higher areas and dense fog in plains has cut off communities, stranded travelers, and hampered emergency responses. The phrase "mountainous trains" likely refers to the challenges faced by rail lines in rugged terrain, where snow, landslides, and avalanches can halt operations.

• Roads and Highways: Heavy snow has closed key routes like Mughal Road (4 inches accumulation triggered clearance ops) and Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri Road. Jammu-Srinagar NH-44 often blocks due to mudslides, shooting stones, and rain-triggered issues. In Neelum Valley, roads are fully closed, stranding tourists and requiring rescues. Dense fog in Jammu plains reduces visibility to near-zero, disrupting traffic and aviation.

• Rail Services: The Banihal-Baramulla train (Kashmir's main rail link) is vulnerable in mountainous sections; heavy snow or landslides can suspend services, isolating the valley. No major halts reported this month yet, but past winters show frequent disruptions.

• Power and Internet: In Neelum Valley, snowfall has knocked out electricity and internet, creating an "emergency situation." Similar outages occur in remote Indian areas due to damaged lines.

• Tourism and Economy: Lack of snow in popular spots has hurt winter tourism (e.g., shortened ski seasons), while heavy pockets strand visitors. Avalanches pose risks in 5-6 districts.

• Preparedness: Authorities advise using 112 for emergencies; NDMA plans include diversions and safety guidelines. Tunnels like Z-Morh and Banihal-Qazigund provide all-weather alternatives, reducing isolation.

The provided X post from @PakistanJannatt highlights the crisis in Neelum Valley, showing hikers struggling through deep snow (about knee-deep, with ongoing flurries) amid rescues. Here's a visual from the area: 

Gilgit-Baltistan (Focus on Skardu)

• Snowfall Status: As of January 16, 2026, Skardu is experiencing its first significant snowfall of the year [00:38]. The snowfall has been consistent for several hours, beginning to cover the ground in a "white blanket" [00:59].

• Temperature: The region is facing extreme cold, with temperatures dropping as low as -20°C, leading to freezing conditions described locally as "blood-freezing cold" [00:01].

• Roads and Disruptions: While the main roads within Skardu are currently visible, the continuous heavy snowfall is expected to cover them within hours [01:45]. Local businesses and restaurants remain open, but residents are heavily bundled in traditional warm clothing (like large shawls/chadors) to survive the dip in temperature [00:17].

• Travel Safety: Movement within the city is still occurring, and some locals are seen enjoying the weather [02:47]. However, the extreme sub-zero temperatures and the potential for rapid accumulation on roads make long-distance travel via mountain passes increasingly risky due to ice and visibility issues.

Ladakh Region

• Snowfall and Road Closures: In Ladakh, heavy winter snowfall typically leads to the closure of major arterial passes such as Zojila (connecting to Srinagar) and the Manali-Leh highway. These routes often become impassable for standard vehicles once the snow accumulates significantly.

• Life and Connectivity: Life in Ladakh shifts indoors during these periods. While internal roads within Leh might be kept functional by local authorities, inter-district travel (to areas like Nubra or Pangong) can be frequently disrupted by fresh snow or avalanches.

• Travel Safety: It is generally considered unsafe to travel across high-altitude passes during active heavy snowfall or immediately after, due to the high risk of skidding on black ice and being stranded in remote areas where rescue is difficult. Air travel remains the only reliable link to the rest of the country when the highways are shut.

Summary of Safety for Both Areas

While the "first snowfall" is often celebrated by locals and tourists for its beauty [04:07], the reality of a "disrupted life" means that:

1. Local Travel: Is manageable but requires specialized winter tires or chains.

2. Inter-City Travel: Is highly discouraged or physically blocked by road closures.

3. Survival: Safety is dependent on access to heating and proper winter gear, as the -20°C weather poses a severe risk of frostbite and hypothermia for those unprepared.