10 Feb 09
Day 1, went here followed by a quick link-up leg and another descent into Otari. The standard classic Hakuba BC tour
Went out with Kenta, Sarah and Mick . Good powder and plenty of it.
Day 2: Went here with Kenta, Luke, and Eric.
The best touring in Hakuba. Good backcountry and I have never seen another person there before late March. It was fantastic, great powder, heaps of it. Amazing weather and good stability. It is a tour not for the lazy. We started the day with some lines on the Obinata ridge leading to Junction Peak. Classic chutes as usual. Then ended with a main spine and gully line on the NE aspect of Obinata. It was long and steep and good. Check out my Weather Diary for stability info for the day.
Eric in a very long powder experience
Luke
Luke again.
dang...
Wow... that looks like a fantastic tour and conditions Damian. I knew we were going to leave you guys with snow! It's my trademark to make sure there's a big storm when I arrive, and after I depart.
Thanks again for taking Brian and me out with you. Looking forward to returning next season!
People need a
People need a map.
http://itm-asp.com/cc/1615/FqkqZVfG
Obinata-yama is not a popular. There are two access ways. One is from Sarukura side, and other is from MinamiMataIri side. Both heads are far from Futamata parking lot, a winter car terminal. No summer trails and no winter BC signs exist. Only experienced self-guided BC snowers can access Obinata-yama.
Refer to a TR dated Jan 29, 2005:
http://buna-pow.com/sub2-2005-obinatayama.html
I suppose Obinata-yama belongs to Hakuba village. Otari village is northern side of Tsugaike.
Ref : http://www.vill.otari.nagano.jp/mura/infomation/guidemap/
DD - yep, it came quite good
DD - yep, it came quite good not long after that rain when you left. Good to get a little stuff done with you, see you again hopefully.
SC - Thanks for the map. Backcountry isn't really signposted anywhere else in the world besides Japan. That's what makes it backcountry. It is not suitable for inexperienced people since it requires a lot of distance, route selection and is full of complicated avalanche terrain.