080101 Avalanche Takayama

1 Jan 08 - Information taken from press reports.

Four killed in their tents during the night in the middle of the storm by a naturally triggered avalanche.  Takayama area (southern end of Kita Alps, near Hodaka, not near Hakuba, although conditions were the same).

190 people were registered themselves as venturing into the Kamikochi area leading into the storm.

Seven people were involved in the avalanche.  The 4 fatalities were from different parties camping near one of the mountain huts at the base of the SW face of Yarigatake.  20 people were camping in the immediate area.