Snowpack characteristics found in Hakuba,

Abstract: Snowpack properties aiming at avalanche safety for backcountry recreations were investigated at Hakuba, NORTHAN ALPS, JAPAN. Snow profile results of this study (total 111 pit), which was from December 1999 to March 2002 at Hakuba region delineated the following snowpack characteristics for that region. Maximal snow-depth is around 4m and maritime characteristics predominate. Although the most commonly identified weak-layers consist of large new snow crystals without rime, on a relative scale the grains are not so large (2-3mm) size, and layers not so weak. Surface hoar and faceted crystals near the snow surface are rare. Rains in high winter is not uncommon and often results in a hard layer (pencil or higher) and weak bond interface with new snow layers. In areas of shallow coverage due to wind transportation often caused by strong seasonal Northwest winds, depth hoar growth is prevalent near the ground. Also a tendency for rapid change was also seen between wet grains to depth hoar and back