Jerry enjoying some fresh powder
Base at top: 160 cm
Temp at Top: -6 Degree
Base at Uenotaira station: 125 cm
New snow since close: 25 cm
Weather: Light snow
Anticipation is high. Skis and boards are waxed and ready to slide. Memory cards are cleared and gopros are charged. Its been dumping overnight up top and will stay this way for over a week. Winter has arrived in full to Nozawa Onsen. Since last lifts 25cm has blanketed the slopes. Today the snow will be of the highest quality on the upper mountain and on the lower mountain its will be wet thanks to the relatively high freezing level. This is excellent base building snow to push down the troublesome brush that has been of major annoyance so far this season. Expect snow quality to improve by tomorrow, becoming even better as the week progresses.
Yesterday was a pretty marginal day for skiing and boarding, but still better than expected. The rain held off for most of the day but regardless the snow was pretty slow apart from on the upper slopes. The long weekend crowds vanished by lunchtime as Japanese tourists departed back to their home cities and it became fairly quiet on the slopes. By about 8pm last night the heavy rain had turned to wet snow down in the village.
Looking further ahead to forecast has held with major snowfalls still expected. At this stage Friday, Saturday, Monday Tuesday are looking like 50cm+ days (subject to forecast change). Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday are looking like 20-30cm depending on minor variances in wind direction. Add all this together and we are looking at some grand totals. The lack of snowfall so far this winter is about to be repaid.
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