JAPAN SNOW WRAP – Daikan, major cold

February 26th, 2014


Mach-10, through the beech, deep pow, perfect. Image:: DrifterPhotos

Mountainwatch | Japan Snow Wrap

The period from mid January, through to early February is known in Japan as ‘Daikan’. This word really has no literal translation, although it correlates to the coldest period of winter – the 24th Solar term on the East Asian solar calendar. And what happens when that super-cooled air rushes briskly across the Sea of Japan and then ceremoniously rises as it hits the Japanese Alps? It dumps. And that is exactly what happened, providing a lucky few some of the best skiing in the world…

‘Daikan’ ended on Feb 4, making way for the first Solar period of Spring, known as ‘Risshun’, or ‘Start of Spring’. With this transition there’s been slightly less snow, and slightly more sun. But it’s all good. Spring is here.


Yotei looms over Hirafu Image:: DrifterPhotos

Today on the hill
No new snow to report on Hokkaido today. But the sun is out and the temps are cool. Some snow is expected later in the week. More below.

Down in Honshu, warm temps have damaged the snowpack a little. Temperatures have cooled today, which will preserve the snow conditions a little longer. Spring-like conditions out on the mountain today.

In The Forecast

Hakuba:
A sketchy week ahead temperature wise, the freezing level seems to be all over the place. Some rain, some snow, best up high. Look out for sunny breaks to get the best skiing.

Niseko:
Snow flurries are expected this evening as the temp drops and the freezing level hits the deck. Snow is expected to intensify tomorrow, followed by another 10cm or so from Monday.


Ski Japan photographer Alistair Buckingham capturing Nicolas jump off a big cornice Image:: DrifterPhotos


Simon Neeme putting his brand new jacket through some product testing Image:: DrifterPhotos


A micro-house under some serious snow Image:: SkiJapan.com


The Yotei steeps, accessible under human-power only Image:: DrifterPhotos


Kevin Tan making the most of lunchtime first tracks! Image:: DrifterPhotos

Hakuba forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.

Niseko forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.