Estimation of Direction of Prevailing Wind in Winter and Maximum Snow Depth in Mts. Hachimantai, Northeastern Japan

Abstract

Directions of the prevailing wind in winter and the maximum snow depths were estimated in terms of the deformation of coniferous trees in the summit area of Mts. Hachi- mantai, which occupy the drainage divide between Iwate and Akita Prefectures.
As a result it is estimated that the prevailing wind in winter is comparatively strong in the area with altitude 1200-1400 m a. s. 1., and its directions are mainly West adding South-components in many places. These South-components are considered to be resulted from the shifts of wind direction' caused by the topographical effect of the WNW-ESE running mountain body to wind directions.
Maximum snow depths are estimated to be 4-5 m in the whole survey area.