Nozawa Onsen village re-buried
Base at top: 385 cm
Temp at Top: -8 Degree
Base at Uenotaira station: 290 cm
New snow since close: 40 cm
Weather: Heavy snow
Heavy snow and strong winds are continuing to lash the resort of Nozawa Onsen in what has been a significant turn of winter. Since the close of lifts yesterday we have had 40cm fall at Yamabiko but given the strong winds and continued falls through this morning its possible that the totals are more than this. Deep snow will be had through the trees that will also provide the greatest visibility. Off piste will be extremely dangerous as the storm snow has collected over an icy base layer littered with death cookies. Stability is very low and the chance of hitting an unseen cookie underneath is very high. Luckily even on piste will offer deep powder today. To keep out of the wind and fog I can suggest exploring the lower resort areas.
Yesterday rain fell for much of the day below 1200m. During the afternoon the Nagasaka gondola re-opened allowing access to the higher mountain however conditions weren’t inspiring. Those that braved the weather encountered some decent (considering the conditions) snow. The pistes were slushy and fairly fast flowing with only a few sticky sections.
During the afternoon snowfalls will gradually ease before clearing overnight tonight. I think tomorrow will be mostly fine weather with light winds and gradually warming temperatures through the day. On Thursday another tropical low will move through with some rain, not unlike yesterday. But this will turn into light to moderate snowfalls for Friday. Next weekend is predicted to be mostly fine weather.
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