Frozen / Unfrozen Lakes – 18th May 2026
Satellite based statistics
SUPARCO has been monitoring the status of 84 Glacial Lakes received from various departments e.g. PMD, NDMA etc. using satellite imagery on regular basis. Satellite images, as of 18th May 2026, confirm that only 15 lakes (18% of 84 lakes) are unfrozen, whereas 82% are frozen or partially frozen. The respective area of each unfrozen lake is calculated using latest available cloud free satellite images and are mentioned in the above table for comparison with previous year full extents. One lake in Shigar district has reached its maximum extent, and one in Chitral District has passed its previous maximum due to retreat by its parent glacier. Current area of the lake is 0.23 sq km. The area of the lake has increased but pose no danger.
Chitral Lake Analysis
Fresh satellite images give much clearer situation of the glacial lake located in Chitral District exceeding its previous maximum. It is observed that this lake has gained area due to retreat of parent glacier. However, it is important to mention that the lake is already connected to the main river and hence pose no danger of GLOF event.
| District | Province | Previous Max Area (sq. Km) July 2025 |
Area (sq. Km) 2026 02-May-2026 |
Area (sq. Km) 2026 18-May-2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chitral | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | 0.14 | 0.21 | 0.23 |
Chitral Lake Area Comparison
Satellite Images
