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Zao Now: Wednesday 20th December 2017

  • Dec 20, 2017
  • 2 min read

Updated: Oct 5, 2025

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata


New snowfall at base 2cm
Snowfall at base this season 170cm

Posted on Wednesday 20th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here.


Good morning from Zao.


Alas, not much to report from yesterday and this morning we are seeing some sun shining through with improved visibility.


I'm taking a look at the forecast and there's not much sign of snowfall over the next 4-5 days or so. Christmas Day is when the next snow looks set to move in and be delivered personally by good old Santa. Until then we are due a mix of sun and cloud and generally rather milder temperatures. Fingers crossed it won't warm up too much - the weekend looks like the mildest conditions expected.



Zao Now 2017-2018 season

Data as of Wednesday 20th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 170cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 19 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (on 25th November) November 2017 snowfall 66cm observed on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 104cm observed on 14 days




All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report.


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