On January 29, 2024, Furano City, Hokkaido, updated its unique "Fluffy Sarasa Degree Prediction" system, which quantifies the quality of powder snow. By utilizing weather data provided by the Japan Meteorological Association, it is now possible to predict snow conditions in Furano more accurately up to five days in advance.
In response to the fact that the term "powder snow" did not have a clear academic definition, Furano City developed a new index called "fluffiness" based on snowfall and precipitation data. Since December 2023, we have been scientifically predicting the quality of snow near the summit of the ski resort, and evaluating and disseminating the light and dry and unique snow quality due to the inland climate unique to Furano as "fluffiness."
The quantified "fluffiness" is a valuable source of information for skiers and snowboarders that allows them to know in advance about the snow conditions in Furano before heading out to the ski resorts. This index was supported by the expertise of Associate Professor Shirakawa of Kitami Institute of Technology, who spent more than 10 years researching snow quality in Hokkaido and focused on the fact that "the snow in Furano meets the ideal conditions for powder snow."
In addition, Furano City is taking into account the effects of global warming and conducting a questionnaire survey on its site about how skiers feel about powder snow.
Related Sites
Furano City "Fluffiness Forecast"
Furano City Official Tourism Website
