SHIMLA: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for potential avalanches in Lahaul-Spiti District and the V-shaped valleys of Kinnaur  Chamba districts in Himachal Pradesh.

This comes after the tribal areas experienced heavy snowfall, ranging from 4 to 5 feet, with continued harsh weather conditions.

The existing layer of icy snow in the valleys has heightened the risk of avalanches, particularly in the Chandra-Bhaga region known for its glaciers and gorges.

The threat extends to V-shaped valleys in Kinnaur, including the Shangla valley, raising concerns for residents and authorities alike.

The BRO has launched the snow-clearing operation from Atal Tunnel to Lahaul-Spiti as the tourist traffic on Manali-Atal tunnel-Shashin-Sissu and Koksar and Keylong is going to increase in days to come  due to snowfall, main attraction for the tourists.

HPPWD has restored the Theog-Kharapathar-Rohru, Deha-Khirki-Chharkki-Chopal road for traffic after the snowfall, which was more visible along the  easter side of Deorighar-Kharapathar-Khirki-Choordhar belt.  

The small and medium avalanches are normal in Lahaul-Spiti and locals are aware about them.The tourists stuck in Lahaul are safe. 

The weather in Himachal Pradesh has been dry over the past 24 hours, with no significant changes in temperatures.

While minimum temperatures remained below normal, maximum temperatures were appreciably below normal. Kukumseri recorded the lowest temperature at -12.7°C, while Una recorded the highest temperature at 22.0°C.

There has been no snowfall or rainfall reported, and there are no significant past impacts on the weather.

Looking ahead, a fresh Western Disturbance is expected to bring rain at isolated places in the low hills/plains, while the middle and high hills may experience rain or snow at few or isolated places over the next few days.

A weather warning has been issued for the possibility of avalanches at isolated places in Chamba, Kinnaur, and Lahul & Spiti districts.

Farmers are advised to take precautions for their livestock due to low temperatures, while beekeepers are urged to provide winter packing and artificial food to honey bees.

In district-level forecasts, Bilaspur is expected to remain dry with isolated rain, Chamba may experience scattered rain or snow, and Hamirpur is likely to remain dry with isolated rain.