Authorities in Lahaul and Spiti have issued an avalanche alert for February 28, warning both locals and tourists to exercise caution amid ongoing heavy rain and snowfall across Himachal Pradesh.

According to a press release from the Lahaul and Spiti Police, the advisory—based on inputs from the Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE) and Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA)—cautions against medium-sized avalanches on steep slopes. Travellers have been advised to stick to designated safe routes.

“The snow avalanche warning (Danger Level 3, Orange) is in effect for Lahaul and Spiti until 5:00 PM on February 28, 2025,” the advisory states. It highlights the potential for avalanches in vulnerable areas and urges restricted movement to safer paths.

The release further noted that the Gurez sector received around four to five feet of fresh snow, while the Tulail region recorded about six inches.

This warning follows a recent avalanche in Khandyal village of Bandipora, Jammu and Kashmir, which damaged one house but fortunately caused no casualties. The severe weather isn’t limited to Lahaul and Spiti—Jammu and Kashmir, along with Himachal Pradesh, is witnessing continuous snowfall and rainfall.

Bandipora hit by snow avalanche

A snow avalanche hit Khandyal village in Gurez valley, Jammu and Kashmir, on Thursday afternoon, damaging one house but causing no reported injuries or casualties. Revenue officials have been deployed to assess the damage, and residents have been advised to stay alert as snowfall continues.

The Gurez valley has received 4 to 5 feet of fresh snow, while Tulail recorded six inches. Meanwhile, other parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Udhampur district, are witnessing continuous rain and snowfall, with the weather expected to persist until February 28, according to the IMD.