Avalanche warning in Uttarakhand after fresh snowfall; all districts on alert, schools shut

Snowfall

• Avalanche alert issued for high-altitude Uttarakhand after fresh snowfall
• Schools closed in several districts due to orange and yellow avalanche warnings
• Authorities urge restricted movement in sensitive regions until January 28

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An avalanche alert was issued on Tuesday for several high-altitude regions of Uttarakhand, including Badrinath and Kedarnath, after fresh snowfall in the state. This marks the second spell of snowfall within a week, following heavy snow that covered upper reaches on January 23.

In view of the renewed snowfall and increased avalanche risk, the Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) has placed all districts on alert and advised heightened vigilance in vulnerable areas.

As per a forecast by the Chandigarh-based Defence Geo-Informatics Research Establishment (DGRE), snowfall and avalanche activity are likely across multiple high-altitude zones between 5 pm on January 27 and 5 pm on January 28. Authorities have urged caution and restricted movement in sensitive regions during this period.

Intermittent snowfall has been reported since Monday night in Badrinath in Chamoli district and Kedarnath and the surrounding peaks in Rudraprayag district, and the higher reaches of Uttarkashi district.

Chakrata also witnessed snowfall in the evening, attracting a large number of tourists, while the ski resort of Auli received fresh snow. In the Kumaon region, high peaks around Munsiyari in Pithoragarh district also received snowfall.

Meanwhile, light to moderate rainfall was recorded in lower areas.

Dehradun woke up to a sunny morning on Tuesday, but the weather conditions changed in the afternoon with intermittent spells of rain. The Meteorological Department had issued an orange alert, prompting the closure of schools in the capital city.

According to the warning issued by the DGRE, Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Rudraprayag have been placed in the 'orange' category, indicating deep and unstable snow cover on most avalanche paths with a high likelihood of natural avalanches that could reach valley floors.

In this situation, only limited movement along selected and relatively safe routes is considered appropriate, and any activity on snow-covered slopes can be risky.

Pithoragarh district has been placed in the 'yellow’ category, where unstable snow is present on some avalanche paths, with the possibility of small natural avalanches in limited areas. Movement in valley areas is possible with caution, but venturing onto snow-covered slopes should be avoided.

As a precautionary measure amid inclement weather, schools up to class 12 have been closed in Tehri, Uttarkashi, Almora, Rudraprayag, Pithoragarh, and Udham Singh Nagar districts.