春の陽射しと雪解け。大雪渓は落石と踏み抜き警戒

Hakuba-dake summit is currently under clear skies, with a temperature of 1.5℃ and a feels-like temperature of -1.5℃. The base area enjoys a spring-like 12.9℃, indicating a significant 11.4℃ difference. Temperatures at the summit are forecast to rise to 8℃ during the day, which will significantly soften the 123cm of remaining snowpack. The ground condition is deep residual snow. Specifically, the Daisekkei (Great Snow Valley) on the Sarukura to Hakuba-jiri to Summit route, one of Japan's three great snow valleys, will become very soft, increasing the risk of slipping, post-holing, and rockfall. Light crampons are essential, and an ice axe should also be carried.

Temperatures will drop sharply from evening onwards. A decrease of about 10℃ is expected from the daytime high of 8℃ to -2.6℃ by early tomorrow morning. Carry an extra layer of insulation to prepare for sudden changes during activity. The drop in feels-like temperature during breaks or on exposed ridges will be significant. A quick-drying base layer, fleece or light down mid-layer, and a wind/waterproof shell as an outer layer are recommended. With winds picking up slightly overnight, there is a high risk of hypothermia for any nocturnal activity.

While no thunderstorms are forecast, the softening of snow due to daytime warming requires constant vigilance. Visibility is excellent at over 20km, but be prepared for sudden dense fog. Make early decisions to turn back if conditions deteriorate.