The Siberian Flow Returns – Japan Snow Wrap

February 6th, 2015


Evergreen guide Dave Enright lays an edge in some perfect Cortina powder Image:: Mark Tsukasov

Mountainwatch | Japan Snow Wrap

January’s consistent run of big snowfall took a brief break over the last two weeks. But that didn’t mean it wasn’t snowing, just not with the same ferocity as it did for most of January. A fairly substantial storm also delivered about 30cm of new snow in Hakuba last weekend and by all accounts, this made for some incredible backcountry conditions and lots of people were seen out enjoying it after the storm passed.

The last few days have been clear in both Hokkaido and Honshu, with no new snow falling since the weekend. Luckily, this is all about to change. Flurries are expected across the weekend before the feed swings around from the W/NW, restoring that cold siberian jetstream that makes Japan what it is. Read on for more…

Today on the hill

Niseko
A cold start to the day today in Niseko, 360Niseko is reporting the coldest of the season, too, -15ºC @ 07:00. The cams show a mix of cloud and bluebird breaks, Annupuri looks to be the pick.

Hakuba
It’s overcast in the valley this morning, with 17cm of new snow reported at 800masl. Temps are mild, currently hovering around -2ºC. The action will begin across the weekend as the storm moves in.

In The Forecast

Hakuba:
Light snow is expected to continue throughout the day, with winds light, hovering around 10km from the NW. This weather pattern will hold across Saturday and Sunday when the storm is expected to hit around late afternoon. Big accumulations are expected across Monday / Tuesday, although at this point our model hasn’t picked it up. Keep your eyes peeled on the forecast.

Niseko:
A mixed bag of weather is expected over the next few days, as the front moves in from the NW. Winds are expected to increase to around 40km/h on Sunday, before easing slightly on Monday as the snow starts. Expect accumulations of 15-20cm daily across Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Snow looks to stick around all the way until next weekend, too.


Hiking the peak on a bluebird stunner Image:: powdershotsniseko.com


Snurf’s up dude. Shaka Image:: powdershotsniseko.com


Buried… Image:: Mark Tsukasov


Faceshots for days in that pow! Image:: powdershotsniseko.com

Hakuba forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.

Niseko forecasts,
snow reports and
live snow cams.