Nozawa Onsen back street under snow.
Base at top: 305 cm
Temp at Top: -5 Degree
Base at Uenotaira station: 230 cm
New snow since close: 10 cm
Weather: Heavy snow
Thunder, lightning and strong winds accompanied daybreak this morning in Nozawa Onsen. I woke to the sound of snowflakes and soft hail rattling the side of the lodge as the storm broke overhead. Storms are an irregular occurrence in the winter only occurring a few times per season if at all. As of 5am no fresh snow had fallen, but from this time to 8am 10cm had collected on the upper slopes. Although the temperatures aren’t especially cold, the wind chill will make it feel much colder today. At the moment the upper mountain is soaked in fog while the lower mountain is relatively clear. Highest quality snow will be found towards the top, becoming heavier on the lower mountain.
Yesterday remained mostly clear for the duration. Occasional high cloud passed accompanied by gusts of strong wind. The snow was best in the morning remaining light and dry. By around lunchtime the temperatures had warmed which resulted in heavier snow, very sun affected on the Southerly aspects. All in all another good day on the hill.
We should see snow showers ease into the afternoon today with a brief pause until tomorrow night. This will mark the start of another more prolonged run of snowfalls and very cold temperatures. Light to moderate snowfalls should continue to sea level from Sunday night until some point on Wednesday. Thursday is expected to be clear. Next weekend looks to be a mixed bag of variable weather; its uncertain at this stage what exactly will occur, snowfalls or partly cloudy days. Check back tomorrow for further updates.
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