Full-depth avalanche takes out top section of popular Japanese ski resort

A large full-depth avalanche has taken out the top section of Niigata prefecture’s Iwappara ski resort, a popular resort in Yuzawa town that is frequented by visitors from Tokyo. Dramatic photos show a large crown and debris field on the resort’s “Giant” run, estimated to be close to 100 metres in width.

The incident occurred just after 2:30pm on March 8, mere hours after the resort’s ski patrol had closed the slope after finding cracks during an inspection. Ski resort officials said that recent high temperatures in the area may have had an impact on the snowpack.

According to reports by local media, no one was injured.

Image: Facebook

On social media, Japanese commenters praised the resort’s foresight, while others lamented the impact the avalanche would have on operations for the remainder of the season.

“I’m grateful for the ski resort’s decision not to operate the appropriate lift due to the risk of avalanche the day before [translated]”, said one Facebook user.

“Iwappara Ski Area is over for the season. Keep an eye out for nearby ski areas” wrote another.

Resorts in Yuzawa have just made it through one of their heaviest months of snowfall on record, with figures kept by Snow Japan showing the highest February total in the last 13 years at 5.49 metres.

Monthly observed snowfall at Yuzawa Town, as reported by Snow Japan

NASPA Ski Garden, a nearby resort, had only recently closed two lifts due to “the large amount of snowfall … and the increasing risk of avalanches due to rising temperatures.”