The General Affairs Disaster Prevention Division has issued an announcement regarding the prevention of accidents caused by avalanches and falling snow.
As we enter March, with rising temperatures and the arrival of spring, there is a risk of glide avalanches occurring due to melting snow and rain reducing friction between snowpacks and the ground. In Hokkaido, there have been numerous fatalities resulting from avalanche accidents.
Pay close attention to the following signs when in snowy mountain areas and avoid approaching them:
Cracks: These are snow fractures resembling scratches on the slope.
Snow Cornices: These occur when snow overhangs from the ridge of a mountain.
For more detailed information on mountain safety during winter, please refer to the following links.
Additionally, be cautious of falling snow not only from avalanches but also from roofs with heavy snow accumulation.
Winter Mountain Safety Guidelines (Hokkaido Prefecture) Japanese Only
