Huge Snowfall Brings Avalanche Deaths – Japan Snow Wrap

January 23rd, 2015


Evergreen guide, Rob Stoeckl getting in deep amongst those Hakuba trees – crispy Image:: Mark Tsukasov

Mountainwatch | Japan Snow Wrap

One metre, two metres, three metres … ten metres?! The base in Niseko just keeps on keepin’ on this year. With such a ridiculous amount of snow on offer, and fresh in the forecast it really couldn’t be any better in Japan than it is right now.

Hakuba is currently in much the same position as its northern neighbour, with an almost never ending amount of snow falling so far. Sadly, this huge amount of snow showed its more sinister side when four people died in a number of separate avalanches in Nagano and Niigata prefecture this past week. Please remember to always seek professional assistance before heading out into unknown avalanche terrain. Read on for more…

Today on the hill

Niseko
A cloudy start to the day as Niseko battens down the hatches for more snow. Winds are light but are expected to ease as the next low pressure system moves in and the clouds turn to snow. 10-15cm is on the cards tonight and tomorrow.

Hakuba
Temps in Hakuba are mild this morning, with light snow about the peaks and a dusting in the village. Sleet and rain is expected in the valley as temps remain high but it will be snow up high. 15cm is expected up top before it clears tomorrow.

In The Forecast

Hakuba:
Mild temps in the valley right now means that the snow line is hovering around 800-1000m. Our models are tipping this to fall through the day as 15cm of new snow falls. Tomorrow, a sunny day will make for some great riding, although stability is likely to continue to be an issue. Freezing levels rise on Monday and Tuesday next week making for a mixed bag of weather so head high whenever possible.

Niseko:
The cloudy start to the day will move on to heavy snowfall later on today with 10-15cm expected to fall. Temperatures will remain cold all week as more snow falls, with the majority expected on Tuesday with 22cm expected. Wind doesn’t look to be an issue so there will be ample opportunity to get out and enjoy it. As always, respect resort boundaries and always head out with a qualified guide.


That’s a faceplant anyone could handle Image:: 360Niseko.com


Offshore Snowshapes Founder, Josh Monin, getting deep while testing new products in the Hokkaido Backcountry this week Image:: Offshore Snowshapes


Words fail. Cortina, January 22 Image:: Powdermania


Happo One perfection in the Hakuba Valley Image:: Happo One

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