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SnowJapan.Com Hakuba Now!
 
Hakuba Now! Weather and snow reports direct from Hakuba.
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Last Updated : Tuesday 9th February 2010, 8:22AM
 
Last Updated: Tuesday 9th February 2010, 8:22AM
New snowfall 15/20 cm
Previous day 260 cm (Goryu base) 370 cm (Goryu top)
Current snow depth 260cm (Goryu base) 370 cm (Goryu top)
Temperature bottom 4 C
Temperature top 1.5 C
Weather condition Rain
Wind condition Light E / SE
Visibility Moderate
Lift operation Please see main report for details.

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Current Weather Conditions at Happo-one - Live Feedback
** PLEASE ONLY VOTE IF YOU ARE AT THIS RESORT **

Blizzard Snow Rain Cloud Sun
BLIZZARDBLIZZARD SNOWSNOW RAINRAIN CLOUDCLOUD SUNSUN
0
(0)
1
(3)
3
(25)
0
(1)
0
(1)
Upper numbers shown are votes registered between 10:30pm and 11:30pm, 9th February.
Lower numbers in brackets are votes registered today since 0am.
Next Update due at 11:45pm, 9th February.
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Notes/Disclaimer: See below

Tuesday 9th February 2010, 8:22AM
Weather conditions: Rain
New snowfall: 15/20 cm
Snow depth: 260cm (Goryu base) 370 cm (Goryu top)
The weekend just been bought plenty of smiles with blizzard conditions and strong winds on Saturday, Sunday the sky cleared though the wind was high in the Alpine areas and yesterday was mild conditions with blue sky and some clouds, a great day to hunt out all that powder that blew. The weekend was one of the busiest this season with everyone getting their share of the bumps / powder / trees / groomers / magic carpet / rest houses...

Rain started falling in the valley last night and got steadier overnight, not enough to put holes in the roof but enough to pierce holes in the dream-bubbles of anyone who thought they would be skiing the dry fluffy stuff today. Goryu is reporting 20cms of snow on their top runs so its possible the top of the mountain got something that can be called snow...it might even be alright up there, only one way to find out.

Weather report at the moment is not the most promising but freezing level will be coming down and snow falling again from some time in the night.

Official resort snow depths on 9th Feb 10:

Happo-one:
130cm (Shirakaba)
150cm (Sakka/Kitaone)
320cm (Kurobishi/Usagidaira)
Hakuba Goryu:
155cm (Iimori)
180cm (Toomi)
370cm (Alps daira)
Hakuba 47:
275cm
Tsugaike Kogen:
180cm (Kanenonaruoka)
180cm (Maruyama)
380cm (Tsuganomori)
Hakuba Iwatake:
180cm (Shomen)
280cm (Sancho)
Sun Alpina Sanosaka:
180cm
Hakuba Minekata:
180cm
 
Monday 8th February 2010, 11:27AM
Weather conditions: Sunny (partly cloudy)
New snowfall: 0 cm
Snow depth: 260cm (Goryu base) 370 cm (Goryu top)
It's another beautiful day here in Hakuba, with blue clear skies which are set to stay throughout the day. Towards the afternoon there could be slightly more cloud cover, and later tonight the forecast is predicting heavy rain. This means you need to get out there and enjoy it while you can.

Within the trees there is still plenty of powder to be found, on the runs you can expect groomers, compacted powder, and some icy conditions in the early morning.

The temperatures for the coming week are slightly warmer than recently and it will bring with it varying conditions of rain, snow, sunshine, cloud and some winds. So currently today is the day to get out and enjoy the conditions.

Avalanche Hazard:
Alpine: High
Tree Line: High
Below Tree Line: Considerable

Official resort snow depths on 8th Feb 10:

Happo-one:
130cm (Shirakaba)
160cm (Sakka/Kitaone)
330cm (Kurobishi/Usagidaira)
Hakuba Goryu:
160cm (Iimori)
180cm (Toomi)
370cm (Alps daira)
Hakuba 47:
290cm
Tsugaike Kogen:
200cm (Kanenonaruoka)
215cm (Maruyama)
390cm (Tsuganomori)
Hakuba Iwatake:
180cm (Shomen)
280cm (Sancho)
Sun Alpina Sanosaka:
185cm
Hakuba Minekata:
200cm
 
Sunday 7th February 2010, 11:36AM
Weather conditions: Sunny (partly cloudy)
New snowfall: 20 cm
Snow depth: 260cm (Goryu base) 390 cm (Goryu top)
A great morning with the blue skies and sunshine coming through here in Hakuba. It is going to be a classic powder day out there with accumulations up to approximately 40 cm here in the valley over the past few days.

All resorts will have fantastic conditions today, powder packed powder, and soft groomers.

The forecast is calling for partly cloudy skies and some sun as well for tomorrow. Get out there and enjoy it!

Avalanche info (as yesterday):

Due to heavy snowfall in the past few days and recent overnight winds the Hakuba mountains are growing more unstable by the hour. Temperatures are cooling and winds at ridge top are Strong to Extreme from the North West hence intense loading on lee slopes as well as cross loading occurring. Increased snow loading adding stress to weak layer at 100128 MFcr (Melt-freeze crust). Probable laminate wind slabs in HST (storm snow) resulting in surface avalanches as well as possible deep slabs sliding on the Melt-freeze crust.

Avalanche activity:

100205, 1245, 1800m, NE aspect Happo; Ochikura, 35 degree slope angle, SB (snowboard) triggered Slab, size 2.5 avalanche, 80cm - 150cm Crown, 50 m propagation, 200m length, MFcr bed surface

Multiple Natural Slab avalanches, size 2 - 3, N & NE aspects in Happo Alpine and treeline area.

Travel Advisory;

Travel not recommended at tree line and above due to High avalanche risk because of High winds and heavy snowfall adding rapid loading on weak buried MFcr (all aspects), creation of cornices and intense wind loading on lee slopes (S & SE aspect). Stay Below treeline on low angle slopes / simple terrain. However; Slope angles less than 30 degrees will be difficult to navigate due to deep snow and therefore travel will be slow and time exposed to possible hazards will increase. Caution is needed in these deep snow areas as if you fall you may not be able to get yourself out especially terrain trap areas like deep gullies and tree wells. Due caution on windward aspects due to creation of wind slab.

It is advisable to enjoy the great powder snow in bounds and stay out of ‘Out Of Bounds’ areas and the back country all together.

Avalanche Hazard:

Alpine: High
Tree Line: High
Below Tree Line: Considerable

Official resort snow depths on 7th Feb 10:

Happo-one:
140cm (Shirakaba)
160cm (Sakka/Kitaone)
340cm (Kurobishi/Usagidaira)
Hakuba Goryu:
175cm (Iimori)
190cm (Toomi)
385cm (Alps daira)
Hakuba 47:
290cm
Tsugaike Kogen:
200cm (Kanenonaruoka)
215cm (Maruyama)
400cm (Tsuganomori)
Hakuba Iwatake:
180cm (Shomen)
280cm (Sancho)
Sun Alpina Sanosaka:
185cm
Hakuba Minekata:
210cm
 
Saturday 6th February 2010, 9:45AM
Weather conditions: Overcast with heavy blowing snow
New snowfall: 15 cm
Snow depth: 240cm (Goryu base) 365 cm (Goryu top)
It is snowing heavily and the wind is blowing pretty hard in Hakuba this morning. A full on blizzard with high gusty winds and lots of snow transport should be expected on all resorts today. Approximately 15-20 cms of new snow overnight and more snow flurries are supposed to continue until tomorrow morning. It was -19 C on the top of Happo One today, so dress warm and be wary of frost bite, especially with the high winds.

Many resorts with exposed lifts on ridges or gondolas will most likely be shut periodically today due to the high winds. As well the visibility above 1500m will be more obscured and limited, might be better to play in the powder in the lower trees today.

Conditions on the resorts in Hakuba today will be powder, chopped powder and groomers (with some fresh on them). Keep warm and enjoy the cold winter storms that mother nature is throwing at us, yippee!

Avalanche info:

Due to heavy snowfall in the past few days and recent overnight winds the Hakuba mountains are growing more unstable by the hour. Temperatures are cooling and winds at ridge top are Strong to Extreme from the North West hence intense loading on lee slopes as well as cross loading occurring. Increased snow loading adding stress to weak layer at 100128 MFcr (Melt-freeze crust). Probable laminate wind slabs in HST (storm snow) resulting in surface avalanches as well as possible deep slabs sliding on the Melt-freeze crust.

Avalanche activity:

100205, 1245, 1800m, NE aspect Happo; Ochikura, 35 degree slope angle, SB (snowboard) triggered Slab, size 2.5 avalanche, 80cm - 150cm Crown, 50 m propagation, 200m length, MFcr bed surface

Multiple Natural Slab avalanches, size 2 - 3, N & NE aspects in Happo Alpine and treeline area.

Travel Advisory;

Travel not recommended at tree line and above due to High avalanche risk because of High winds and heavy snowfall adding rapid loading on weak buried MFcr (all aspects), creation of cornices and intense wind loading on lee slopes (S & SE aspect). Stay Below treeline on low angle slopes / simple terrain. However; Slope angles less than 30 degrees will be difficult to navigate due to deep snow and therefore travel will be slow and time exposed to possible hazards will increase. Caution is needed in these deep snow areas as if you fall you may not be able to get yourself out especially terrain trap areas like deep gullies and tree wells. Due caution on windward aspects due to creation of wind slab.

It is advisable to enjoy the great powder snow in bounds and stay out of ‘Out Of Bounds’ areas and the back country all together.

Avalanche Hazard:

Alpine: High
Tree Line: High
Below Tree Line: Considerable

Official resort snow depths on 6th Feb 10:

Happo-one:
130cm (Shirakaba)
150cm (Sakka/Kitaone)
340cm (Kurobishi/Usagidaira)
Hakuba Goryu:
165cm (Iimori)
180cm (Toomi)
360cm (Alps daira)
Hakuba 47:
287cm
Tsugaike Kogen:
200cm (Kanenonaruoka)
160cm (Maruyama)
380cm (Tsuganomori)
Hakuba Iwatake:
180cm (Shomen)
280cm (Sancho)
Sun Alpina Sanosaka:
175cm
Hakuba Minekata:
190cm
 
Friday 5th February 2010, 9:55AM
Weather conditions: Overcast with moderate snow
New snowfall: 15 cm
Snow depth: 225cm (Goryu base) 350 cm (Goryu top)
Yes! More snow to report here in Hakuba today! Approximately 10-15 cm of new snow fell overnight and it is still snowing hard. Nice fluffy and dry snow too so hopefully it will remain cold to keep it that way!

Conditions on the resorts today will be powder (in the AM) chopped powder and crud, though it should not be hard to find the freshies on the sides of the runs or in the trees. Do watch out for hard chunks though under the snow as the powder might have covered them over.

Snow flurries are expected to continue throughout the day and step up overnight with heavier snowfall this evening. The weekend should be ace for those of you on the weekend warrior schedule.

Enjoy the snow and keep smiling to the snow gods!

Official resort snow depths on 5th Feb 10:

Happo-one:
130cm (Shirakaba)
140cm (Sakka/Kitaone)
320cm (Kurobishi/Usagidaira)
Hakuba Goryu:
155cm (Iimori)
175cm (Toomi)
340cm (Alps daira)
Hakuba 47:
260cm
Tsugaike Kogen:
170cm (Kanenonaruoka)
160cm (Maruyama)
365cm (Tsuganomori)
Hakuba Iwatake:
150cm (Shomen)
250cm (Sancho)
Sun Alpina Sanosaka:
165cm
Hakuba Minekata:
170cm
 
Thursday 4th February 2010, 11:47AM
Weather conditions: Overcast with light snow
New snowfall: 25 cm
Snow depth: 210 cm (Goryu base) 335 cm (Goryu top)
Hakuba had a good snow fall last night, between 15~20CM. This added to the snow fall of the previous few days makes for great conditions on the mountain today. Temperatures overnight were around -5 keeping the snow fluffy, and there should be enough to put a small smile on the powder fiends faces today.

Within the resort conditions will be good, with powder to be found on the sides of the runs and the smooth groomers will have had a nice amount of snow last night, making the conditions this morning a lot of fun.

The forecast over the past week has been predicting heavy snowfall but as yet we haven't had what we had hoped for, again the forecast is predicting that Friday is the day. The snow is set to continue over the weekend and then next week the temperatures are on the rise once again.

Official resort snow depths on 4th Feb 10:

Happo-one:
120cm (Shirakaba)
130cm (Sakka/Kitaone)
300cm (Kurobishi/Usagidaira)
Hakuba Goryu:
155cm (Iimori)
170cm (Toomi)
335cm (Alps daira)
Hakuba 47:
255cm
Tsugaike Kogen:
170cm (Kanenonaruoka)
155cm (Maruyama)
365cm (Tsuganomori)
Hakuba Iwatake:
150cm (Shomen)
250cm (Sancho)
Sun Alpina Sanosaka:
165cm
Hakuba Minekata:
170cm
 
Wednesday 3rd February 2010, 9:09AM
Weather conditions: Overcast with light snow
New snowfall: 15 cm
Snow depth: 210 cm (Goryu base) 320 cm (Goryu top)
A bit like yesterday today...a little more snow than we had yesterday morning and with cold overnight temps the snow is fluffy, but there's not enough to get the powder fiends stoked. We had some guys drive from Nagano to ride here only to eat the infamous Mama's crepes at the Gondola and go home again.

For anyone who doesn't demand knee-high powder to bust out the wallet conditions on the runs will be great with nice fresh snow and a little powder off the beaten track.

It is nice dry snow falling at the moment, just not in quantity, and though we have flurries forecast through the coming days with cold temperatures it doesn't look at this point like a lot of snow on the way. Hoping we're proven wrong...

Official resort snow depths on 3rd Feb 10:

Happo-one:
110cm (Shirakaba)
125cm (Sakka/Kitaone)
300cm (Kurobishi/Usagidaira)
Hakuba Goryu:
150cm (Iimori)
166cm (Toomi)
320cm (Alps daira)
Hakuba 47:
230cm
Tsugaike Kogen:
170cm (Kanenonaruoka)
155cm (Maruyama)
360cm (Tsuganomori)
Hakuba Iwatake:
150cm (Shomen)
260cm (Sancho)
Sun Alpina Sanosaka:
160cm
Hakuba Minekata:
170cm
 

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DISCLAIMER:
Regarding any avalanche stability and backcountry bulletins posted on the Hakuba Now pages:
We do not claim that the reports here are a 100% accurate forecast of the snow stability in the Hakuba area, nor should these reports totally influence your decisions regarding safe backcountry travel. There is no way that anyone can forecast the weather and snow stability 100% accurately across as broad a mountain range such as the Hakuba valley.  As these two great phenomenon are forces of nature and constantly changing it is up to YOU, the mountain enthusiast, to make route decisions and judge snow stability in the area that you are traveling. The weather reporters and snow stability forecasters are professional and passionate about what they do and make it their goal to provide the most accurate accounts of the conditions in the Hakuba Valley, but this is no substitute for undergoing proper avalanche skills training.

ABOUT THESE REPORTS:

The Now! daily reports on Snow Japan are here to give our readers current snow and weather conditions in popular snow resort regions of Japan. The people who file these reports do their best to provide the most in-depth and accurate reports possible. Information is gathered locally by Now! reporters and is based on personal observations and information received directly from local ski resorts. Please note that Snow Japan and the individuals posting the reports take no responsibility for any decisions that readers may take based on what is written in these reports. Our advice is to always take care when you are in the winter mountains and know that conditions are ever changing in these environments.
 
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