Annual and seasonal glaciological mass balance of Patsio Glacier, western Himalaya (India) from 2010 to 2017

Improving the knowledge on Himalayan glaciers mass balance is a key to understand the present and past annual atmospheric variations and future water availability in the region. Here, we present glaciological mass balance for Patsio Glacier, located in Himachal Pradesh (India), western Himalaya. Annual glacier-wide mass balance was measured for 7 consecutive years (2010/11 to 2016/17) and winter mass balance for 6 years (2011/12 to 2016/17). The cumulative mass balance over this period was -2.35 +/- 0.37 m w.e. The corresponding mean mass balance was -0.34 m w.e. a(-1). The mean annual ablation gradient excluding the debris-covered area was 0.47 m w.e. (100 m)(-1). The annual ablation over the debris-covered area is reduced by an average of -1.0 m w.e. compared to the clean ice surface. Winter mass balance was consistently positive with a maximum of 1.34 m w.e. in 2014/15 and a minimum of 0.88 m w.e. in 2011/12. Multiple regression analysis between annual mass balance versus annual and winter precipitation of the Lahaul-Spiti region shows a significant positive correlation. Our results highlight the importance of monitoring seasonal mass balance and consideration of non-climatic parameters (debris and aspect) while estimating the glacier-wide mass balance.

Automated summary

Improving knowledge of Himalayan glaciers mass balance is crucial for understanding current and past atmospheric variations, as well as future water availability. The study of Patsio Glacier in the western Himalayas revealed a cumulative mass balance over seven years with consistent winter mass balance values, showing a positive correlation with annual and winter precipitation in the region. Monitoring seasonal mass balance and considering non-climatic parameters like debris and aspect are important for accurate estimation of glacier-wide mass balance.