Hiking out far along the ridge for fresh lines yesterday.
Base up top: 350 cm Temp Top; 0 Degrees
Base at bottom; 150 cm
New Snow since close: 0 cm
Weather; Overcast
As expected the clouds have rolled in overnight in Nozawa Onsen and we currently have a flat overcast sky. Clouds are at mid level so the entire mountain has good visibility even at the peak. The forecast rain has so far held off which is good. So far this season almost all weather systems have been delayed and so its possible that there will be no rain until early afternoon.
While it may sound bad, rain is just what we need here at the moment. A deep surface slush layer has formed when temperatures warmed after the recent dump making for sticky riding conditions off piste. Rain will wash away this surface layer creating excellent spring corn snow for when freeze-thaw variations recommence.
Again today the best riding today will be had on the groomed runs off the upper half of the mountain. The snow will be slightly slow at first so waxing your skis or board with a good quality spring wax will certainly help. Once it starts rain the snow will become faster accordingly.
The forecast predicts that there may be some snow up high tomorrow however nothing significant. Friday should be clear. The freezing level will hover around 2000-2500m for the remainder of the week with possibilities of rain turning to snow Sunday/Monday next week. Only a light to moderate dump out of this system is expected.
