A Near-Nuclear Winter, And Then It Gets Better – Japan Snow Wrap

January 5th, 2015


Hakuba Cortina, January 2nd, 2015. This guy started the year off right. Image:: Hakuba Cortina

Mountainwatch | Japan Snow Wrap

The Japanese holiday-makers have cleared out, leaving plenty of snow on offer for all the ANZAC crew on the ground. Meanwhile, the snow has continued – surprise, surprise, right? We know, this is beginning to feel less and less like news, but it seems like Hokkaido’s near-nuclear winter isn’t showing any signs of letting up just yet.

Down in Hakuba, things have been just as epic. Dump after dump of fresh snow has left plenty of powder on the ground, although winds up high have been somewhat of an issue, and there is warm air on the way. Read on for more…

Today on the hill

Niseko
Light flurries and a little wind is expected throughout Monday, with an increase in the wind speed due from the south after about 4pm. Temperatures will be slightly milder than they have been, with mostly clear weather. It would be a good idea to head up high before the wind sets in.

Hakuba
A slightly uglier mix of snow and rain is expected today as the warmer air sets in. It should be fairly clear early so head out and make the most of it while you can. Freezing level looks set to hover around 900m early, before it approaches 2000m + by tonight.

In The Forecast

Hakuba:
So, we did warn you above, things are about to get a little warmer. The freezing level will rise to above 2000m before lunchtime Monday, bringing with it an ugly mix of snow and rain. Might be wise to sit today out. The rest of the week looks set to cool off again, with 5-10cm snowfalls expected right up until Sunday. Wind has been a slight issue over the Holidays, so make sure you jump on and check the latest forecast before you head up the hill.

Niseko:
The freezing level looks set to rise slightly over the next 24 hours, but there is no threat of rain, with just a few flurries falling throughout Monday. Then the freezing level will flatline to the valley bottom once again before 20cm and 35cm falls on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. The rest of the week looks just as snowy, with consistent 10-15cm top-ups expected. Buckle in, it’s gonna be another big week.


Jaimi here skis pow way better than most, at only 13 years old. Niseko, December 31st Image:: GlenClaydon.com


This was shot in the trees on the way down to Hirafu – anyone that knows Niseko will tell you this is almost at the base of the mountain! Image:: SkiJapan.com


Pow on the Hakuba Roadsides, January 3rd Image:: Hakuba Happo


Look at that pow, on a groomer! Image:: GlenClaydon.com


We’d say he looks pretty stoked at all that snow! Image:: GlenClaydon.com

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