Tenki Diary 7 Jan 08

Weather for the 24 hours to 7am on 7 Jan 08. Recorded data here. The daytime yesterday was a blustery and warm day, plenty of sun and also some precipitation on the peaks. It reminded me of a Foen Wind: strong and warm, blasting up the valley. During the early evening clouds gathered and light rain fell at 860m asl. For a snow town, Hakuba certainly has a lot of above zero days – nearly every one has a max above freezing.

No field observations were made as we took this warm uncomfortable day to go exploring in the nearby Otari mountains by car. There is some genuine top to bottom backcountry touring in there, and a return is on the cards. Although not strictly in the Japanese Alps, it is a fantastic area with arguably better terrain for touring than the immediate Hakuba area. It is certainly an asset of the wider region.

Comments

Submitted by Unregistered Visitor on 8 January 2008 - 7:11am.

> Otari mountains
Recent report tells HEAVY snow in Mtn.Amakazari.
It is good for you excersise "Russell" (breaking trails) and
avalanche study on Jan & Feb, in additon to "Onsen" at
Yamada Ryokan. The BC season starts from mid-March.
You may check Otari Onsen history (very interesting) on
books (Japanese) at the inn robby.

> Although not strictly in the Japanese Alps, it is a fantastic area
"not strictly"....I wont be aginst to yo.... But,
Look at this map:
http://map.yahoo.co.jp/pl?lat=36%2F45%2F18.006&lon=137%2F45%2F27.555&layer=0&ac=16343&p=%C7%F2%C7%CF%C2%E7%C3%D3&mode=map&size=s&type=static&pointer=on&sc=7
The center is Hakuba-dake(2,932m). You must be familier with
the east side of Hakuba range, but HARD (can not?) to go the
west side called Kurobe Kyokoku (big valley).
Also, the famous Renge Onsen (spa) is here;
http://map.yahoo.co.jp/pl?lat=36%2F48%2F29.448&lon=137%2F48%2F9.69&layer=0&ac=15216&p=%C7%F2%C7%CF%C2%E7%C3%D3&mode=map&size=s&type=static&pointer=on&sc=7
which is closed in strict winter season (open mid-march).
The big heavy snow and avalanches refuse us.
Kamikohchi & Hodaka, the center of north Alps has many
huts and climbing routs, areas developed. You can see
the strict cos of it is developed.
We can enjoy BC snowing on the east side of Hakuba
while Kurobe Kyokoku has still refused the development
except the Kurobe Alpen Route.
You may challenge extreme snowing there......

SC

Submitted by Damian on 8 January 2008 - 9:13am.

I could spend weeks exploring around Otari Onsen, it is now so firmly on my backcountry agenda that I will likely drop some of the more pedestrian local Hakuba bc routes off my list for a while.

The terrain down to Renge Onsen from Norikura Dake is also fantastic, I have been up there mapping it out a few times.  When my brother arrives we will do a multi day tour in that area.  And once the Onsen buildings open in mid March, we will be touring the NE sector of the Kita Alps constantly.  That area is a bc gold mine. The mid March opening is a huge benefit to the bc community as well. Saves me from building igloos down there as planned.

Submitted by SC on 10 January 2008 - 8:19am.

> building igloos
Yukikura is popular to have one-day BC excursion from Renge Onsen hut.
http://map.yahoo.co.jp/pl?lat=36%2F47%2F29.638&lon=137%2F45%2F25.469&layer=0&ac=16343&p=%CF%A1%B2%DA%B2%B9%C0%F4&mode=map&size=s&type=static&pointer=on&sc=5
If you have not been, I strongly recommend to have a trip for Yukiura
around late-March.
Then "igloo" makes me remeber Asahi-dake.
http://map.yahoo.co.jp/pl?lat=36%2F49%2F25.071&lon=137%2F43%2F58.517&layer=0&ac=16343&p=%CF%A1%B2%DA%B2%B9%C0%F4&mode=map&size=s&type=static&pointer=on&sc=5
Why? Only very "climbing faster" snowers can have one day BC
excursion from Renge Onsen hut. Because, it is a long long way.
I went to Asahi-dake with staying at a snow cave for a night
at a point between the hut and the peak. It was a good experience
to dig a snow cave. I would suggest you to arrange a tour
"Snow cave night to Asahi-dake" for average strength BC snowers,
after you have tried to have the one-day BC excursion.
The top of Asahi-dake has really exciting wide slopes for the
return way. I may join the snow cave tour if you arrange.

SC

Submitted by Damian on 11 January 2008 - 5:36pm.

Yukikura and Asahi Dake have both been on my list of tours for a long time.  I explored there in November and as you suggest, plan to visit in March-April for a multiple day igloo tour.  You are welcome to join.  And doumo for the links.

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