Fog over Nozawa Onsen.
Base up top: 335 cm Temp Top; -10 Degrees
Base at bottom; 160 cm
New Snow since close: 30 cm
Weather; Snow
Winter has returned with a vengeance here in Nozawa Onsen. Blizzard conditions overnight and this morning have eased revealing a mountain loaded with fresh japow. Since last lifts yesterday we have had the magic 30cm fall across the upper mountain and half that down at village level. Pretty much all areas of the mountain excluding the death cookie zones will be epic today. Avoid tight gullies, run outs below steep terrain and head for even moderate slopes. Stability is low.
Yesterday saw wet snow fall across the upper mountain for most of the day, with some rain in the village. There was some good riding to be had if you knew where to look although the snow conditions made riding off piste challenging. High traffic groomed runs retained the best snow speed on the mountain.
The forecast ahead continues to impress. It still looks like it will be one of the best one week forecast for the season with a very high likelihood that well over a meter will fall during this time. A strong low pressure system over Hokkaido will blast the region will a cold siberian, moisture laden NW airstream. In short, snowfalls and very cold temperatures for at least the next 5 days. Tuesday and Wednesday next week could see bluebird conditions.
