Independent snow and weather reporting from the Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 879m Weather overview Cloud, light snow Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Fair Posted at 10:56am on Wednesday 6th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . The snow is falling again - just in time to cover the icy chunks left over from the rain and the following high winds and increasing cold. We could use a good reset, after watching the snowpack really get eaten up. Although it is handier for the wind to clear off roofs and woodpiles than using a shovel (and the wind dries the firewood! Bonus points....). A little bit concerned about the ice layer and its effect on the steep slopes outside of the area, but I'll have more data in the coming days. Operations and official snow depths Akakura Kanko (Akakan) 240cm, -3C Akakura Onsen 245cm, 0C Ikenotaira 210cm, -3C Suginohara 190cm, -3C Seki Onsen 430cm, -5C Kyukamura 300cm, 1C Myoko Ski Park 260cm, -1C Tangram 200cm, -3C Madarao 200cm, -5C Myoko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Wednesday 6th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 879cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 40 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 73cm (10th January) November 2012 snowfall 17cm reported on 3 days December 2012 snowfall 334cm reported on 12 days January 2013 snowfall 508cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 20cm reported on 4 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Myoko. 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 879m Weather overview Sunny but clouding Wind Moderate Temperature - Visibility Fair Posted at 7:53am on Thursday 7th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Heading for the hills today, so a quick report before I run! The ski resorts haven't released data yet, but it's a bit mild (right around 0°C) with some moderate to strong winds from the west. It looked at first like a sunny day ahead, but some high gray clouds above the mountains have already turned into snow. The trusty NHK forecast says there could be a lot of snow coming, so today could be an interesting and fun one. It would be nice to have some serious, genuine, so-much-snow-I-can't-see Myoko precipitation. Myoko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Thursday 7th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 879cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 40 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 73cm (10th January) November 2012 snowfall 17cm reported on 3 days December 2012 snowfall 334cm reported on 12 days January 2013 snowfall 508cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 20cm reported on 4 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Myoko. 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 889m Weather overview Cloud, light snow Wind Moderate Temperature - Visibility Fair Posted at 10:29am on Friday 8th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . A sushi run down to Joetsu, on the Japan Sea, had us pretty excited last night--blasting snow obscuring vision (OK, if a little too much wind). The return to Myoko and: the stars were out. Luckily, the weather followed us south, I guess, as we woke up to pretty good snowfall, and also some pretty strong gusts of wind. Much colder, too. Should be nice snow out there though. Right now the snow is falling a little more lightly, although it looks likely to continue through the day. Maybe a little sunshine tomorrow, and then back to snow again (maybe even getting heavy on Sunday/Monday). Personally, I would like to see the return of over-the-boot snow, and the kind of snowfall that sends the weak off to for coffee or an onsen (sorry, bluebird day fans--go to Utah or someplace). That's what we live here for! Pre-three-day-weekend rant now finished. Myoko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 8th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 889cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 41 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 73cm (10th January) November 2012 snowfall 17cm reported on 3 days December 2012 snowfall 334cm reported on 12 days January 2013 snowfall 508cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Myoko. 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 20cm Snowfall at base this season 969m Weather overview Sunny Wind Calm Temperature - Visibility Good Posted at 9:07am on Tuesday 12th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . It's a sunny, cold day today. Colder than I think some of the resorts are showing; I had -9°C in the car (which is surprisingly accurate), -8°C on the outside digital thermometer. Which also meant that there was some lovely powder around the house; nice big flakes, light for the shovel which means light on the skis; even I like a bluebird day when it's cold and there's some excellent powder out there! There is a slight gray tint to the sky, though--the forecast says some more snow is coming, so we might have increasing clouds through the day. But a nice break from the pounding fall over the last day or so, and hopefully preparation for some more fresh ahead. Myoko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Tuesday 12th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 969cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 44 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 73cm (10th January) November 2012 snowfall 17cm reported on 3 days December 2012 snowfall 334cm reported on 12 days January 2013 snowfall 508cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 110cm reported on 8 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Myoko. 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 980m Weather overview High cloud cover Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Good Posted at 7:34am on Thursday 14th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . No official snow reports out yet, but we got very little snow since yesterday--just a light dusting. The forecast had sunny skies, but right now we have very high cloud cover and very good visibility (maybe we'll get some more snow?). Snow definitely is forecast for the coming days, even heavy as we move into early next week. Out early today to check the conditions up high; will let you know if there's anything going on in the snowpack (but generally things are looking good; some windpack from high winds yesterday afternoon). Myoko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Thursday 14th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 980cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 46 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 73cm (10th January) November 2012 snowfall 17cm reported on 3 days December 2012 snowfall 334cm reported on 12 days January 2013 snowfall 508cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 121cm reported on 10 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Myoko. 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 980m Weather overview Light snow Wind Calm Temperature - Visibility Good Posted at 10:50am on Friday 15th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . It was looking like just a gray day until just a few minutes ago, and then some light snow started to fall again. And now it's starting to look a little less light and more like a moderate Myoko snowfall - hopefully we'll have some fresh cover! The hills could use a little powder reset and it looks like today into tomorrow will bring us just that. Clearer conditions forecast for Sunday after the snow clouds clear. Myoko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 15th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 980cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 46 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 73cm (10th January) November 2012 snowfall 17cm reported on 3 days December 2012 snowfall 334cm reported on 12 days January 2013 snowfall 508cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 121cm reported on 10 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Myoko. 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1050m Weather overview Cloud, snow Wind Moderate Temperature - Visibility Varied Posted at 9:13am on Monday 18th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . A new snow cycle has begun after one sunny day. The wind started picking up last night from the west/south (it's always hard to tell here at the base of Akakan, as the west wind comes around Mt. Myoko); snow is now falling with some moderately strong wind. It's really Myoko-style snow, too, with big flakes falling--should be more fun that the fairly wind-packed powder we've had recently. Not that any kind of powder is bad.... Luckily, the rain that you might see on the forecasts seems unlikely; the freezing line was predicted to go as high as 1,000 meters, but it's still about -2 here at 700 meters. I'll update if that unfortunate condition develops, but let's hope the precipitation stays white. Myoko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Monday 18th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1050cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 48 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 73cm (10th January) November 2012 snowfall 17cm reported on 3 days December 2012 snowfall 334cm reported on 12 days January 2013 snowfall 508cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 191cm reported on 12 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Myoko. 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1283m Weather overview Partly sunny with some rain Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Great Posted at 10:40am on Wednesday 27th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Thanks to the SnowJapan team for helping out over the past two days - and, yes, I have some interesting information, following our report for today. The bad news first: it is raining very lightly right now. Hardy enough to dampen a coat, really (makes that snow nice and smooth, too), but it is definitely going to be getting warmer over the next three days or so. Probably be turning back to snow by the weekend, but in the meantime let's hope the sun stays out and we can just pretend that it's fun spring skiing for the time being. Winter is definitely not over yet. Not much wind at the moment, either, so it could be a nice day for a ski. I've been out for two days because of a rescue operation here in Myoko. A very experienced guy - somebody like a lot of good, solid backcountry skiers - just got too close to a cornice. Following all the snow and wind we've had, the cornices on the local peaks are huge and very unstable. He was more than two meters away from the edge, and the whole thing came down, taking him and a lot of snow with him. He hit a tree, started sliding headfirst, got himself into a better position (legs downhill), and rode down several hundred meters in what became a small avalanche. And then he dug a snow cave and stayed there for two days, because the winds and snow and logistics made it impossible to get a group out faster. He was lucky; he had the right gear, a radio, good clothing, and came out with a broken rib, a contusion on his leg, and some mild frostbite on his fingers (he'll be hurting in a few days, but he won't lose his digits). It was a happy end, but it reminds all of us who go in the backcountry the the rewards are high, but there are risks we can't afford to ignore. If you're going off the groomed slopes, even "just over there", you need to have avalanche gear on you, excellent clothes in case you get stuck, and some good friends to keep an eye on each other. We see too many people with no gear, no sense and cotton clothes all skiing/boarding at the same time in questionable terrain. Anything goes wrong, they all go down together. As a wise older guy here said, you can talk about taking responsibility for yourself, but the instant you get hurt or worse, you're no longer responsible - somebody else has to help you. Snow rescues are tough, hard work, and this time left a few rescuers with frostnipped fingers and faces (my neighbor's cheeks turned dark brown, and are now peeling off). Don't stop going in the backcountry; do be safe, do it right and plan ahead! Myoko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Wednesday 27th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1283cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 56 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 73cm (10th January) November 2012 snowfall 17cm reported on 3 days December 2012 snowfall 334cm reported on 12 days January 2013 snowfall 508cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 433cm reported on 20 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Myoko. 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1308m Weather overview Partly sunny, sometimes light snow Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Good Posted at 10:37am on Tuesday 5th March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Snow keeps trying to fall this morning, with big, fat flakes drifting down even as the sun peeks out from time to time. It could be snowing higher up in the mountains--hard to tell with the peaks again covered in cloud. It should be nice to have a little taste of winter (I mean soft, cold, fresh snow) before things go springlike later in the week. The forecast looks like things won't be s warm as was earlier noted, but rain has suddenly also appeared around Friday and Saturday. I have to confirm this, but I got word about a foreign skier who decided to go sidecountry, overshot the exit road and ended up in a valley to nowhere. The fire department and police got called in; apparently a successful rescue, but another example of the need to know before you go. Exploring is great; requiring a rescue is not. Myoko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Tuesday 5th March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1308cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 58 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 73cm (10th January) November 2012 snowfall 17cm reported on 3 days December 2012 snowfall 334cm reported on 12 days January 2013 snowfall 508cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 424cm reported on 20 days March 2013 snowfall 25cm reported on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Myoko. 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 1308m Weather overview Light snow Wind Light to moderate Temperature - Visibility Varied Posted at 4:35pm on Sunday 3rd March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . I had to get out early to climb today - a good chance to see what things were like after an evening of snowfall and some high winds down a bit lower than the ski areas. So late, but here we go! It was a pretty gray day, with lots of fog interspersed with enticing hits of sun and clear patches. Can't really talk about the groomed (maybe still a bit hard? or did the good snowfall soften things up a little?). Really nice up in the mountains, except 1) where the wind had blown patches down to ice or 2) the fog made it impossible to see if you were even moving on high open areas. Great out in the trees... Looks like a week of lots of sun, maybe a little snow, and perhaps some spring-like conditions later in the week as the freezing line once more heads straight up the mountain. Myoko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 3rd March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1308cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 58 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 73cm (10th January) November 2012 snowfall 17cm reported on 3 days December 2012 snowfall 334cm reported on 12 days January 2013 snowfall 508cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 424cm reported on 20 days March 2013 snowfall 25cm reported on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Myoko. 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1283m Weather overview Increasing clouds Wind Strong Temperature - Visibility Great Posted at 11:58am on Friday 1st March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Things aren't looking very wintery today; the wind has been howling all night and into the morning, it's warm and rain seems very likely. The snow is really getting chewed up the wind, particularly: the snow banks along the roads are still pretty tall, but they've been crumbling since yesterday. So it's a day to write off for skiing, perhaps, but the freezing line is going to be shooting down (from almost the peak of Mt. Myoko right now, to basically sea level tomorrow) and some fresh snow may be coming as well. Things could be a little touchy in the backcountry if the rain and sudden cold creates a hard layer with soft new snow on top--keep your eyes open over the weekend if you are heading out (or select the terrain carefully!). Myoko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 1st March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1283cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 56 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 73cm (10th January) November 2012 snowfall 17cm reported on 3 days December 2012 snowfall 334cm reported on 12 days January 2013 snowfall 508cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 424cm reported on 20 days March 2013 snowfall 0cm Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Myoko. 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1308m Weather overview Partly sunny Wind Calm Temperature - Visibility Good Posted at 10:07am on Monday 4th March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . The sun's out in Myoko today, although the top of the peaks are covered in clouds. The sun makes it feel warmer than it really is--the temperatures are staying in the minus range, at least for today and tomorrow. Enjoy the cold (and some snow tomorrow, it seems), because April weather will be coming later in the week. Not excited about temps in the teens, to be honest.... Myoko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Monday 4th March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1308cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 58 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 73cm (10th January) November 2012 snowfall 17cm reported on 3 days December 2012 snowfall 334cm reported on 12 days January 2013 snowfall 508cm reported on 21 days February 2013 snowfall 424cm reported on 20 days March 2013 snowfall 25cm reported on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Myoko. 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com