Inventory of glacial lakes and identification of potentially dangerous glacial lakes in Nepal, TAR China, and India

This report provides an update on the status and changes in the number and area of glacial lakes in the three basins -  the Koshi, Gandaki, and Karnali (including Mahakali) – along with a detailed methodology for the identification of critical glacial lakes in remote and inaccessible mountain terrain using remote sensing tools and technologies. It also identifies a number of potentially dangerous glacial lakes in the basins and categorizes them into four hazard levels

This research has made an important contribution to the identification of potentially dangerous glacial lakes in Nepal, on the basis of which regular monitoring of these lakes with on-site verification by experts can be made, and early warning systems can be deployed in highly prioritized dangerous glacial lakes. Based on the information made available, hazard assessment and mitigation work could be implemented to secure the lives and livelihoods of mountain and downstream communities. Short-, medium-, and long-term strategic plans and legal frameworks can be developed to manage GLOF hazards and inform regulations for the construction of hydropower plants.