Springtime Conditions – Nozawa Snow Report Jan 31

in Jan 31, 2013
Nearby Togari Onsen ski resort.

Nearby Togari Onsen ski resort.

Base up top: 320cm        Temp Top; 0 Degrees

Base at bottom: 175cm

New Snow since close: 0cm

 

Well, what a day we have in Nozawa this morning; crystal clear skies with a couple of wispy high clouds. The Sea of Japan will be visible from near the summit. If you like fair weather skiing then today is your day. If you like spring skiing you will also enjoy the turns on offer. Runs will be slushy with the strong sun and warm temperatures as it’s nearly above freezing all the way to the top. Like the past couple of days crowds are non-existent.

Yesterday was a fun day on the slopes. Good powder fields were on offer through the trees at Yamabiko as light snow continued throughout the day. With the small crowds vast stretches of untracked Japan powder was accessible using a bit of local knowledge, although avalanche conditions are still dangerous. Groomed runs were for the most part firm and fast; a great day for testing out the edges.

I’m going to be honest here; the forecast does not look so good. There are no two ways about it. We should expect very warm temperatures with rain tomorrow and Saturday. The temperature will drop to below sea level on Sunday, with quite a bit of good snow possible. However, on Monday another warm front should pass through the region with the possibility of even more rain. It looks like after Monday we will finally in the clear with cold temperatures and possible snow making a return.

 

Afternoon tracks on Kandahar . Pretty uncrowded hey.

Afternoon tracks on Kandahar . Pretty uncrowded hey.