Two experiments were performed for the purpose (Experiment I)to elucidate physiological response to snow shoveling in elderly women and (Experiment II)to make clear exercise intensity of the daily physical activities including snow shoveling among elderly people living in heavy snowfall region. In experiment I, five healthy younger females(average age 19±0.4 years)and five older females(average age 68±2.7 years)engaged in measurements of cardio-respiratory responses and shoveling performance during 10 minutes of snow shoveling. Despite the fact that exercise intensity was 23 ml · kg^-1 · min^-1(6.6 Mets)in terms of oxygen uptake, the same value with younger group, elderly females attained higher shoveling performance(69±4.6 vs 41±7.0 kg · min^-1, p=0.008). In the measurements of experiment II, the heart rate (128 beats · min^-1) and oxygen uptake (4.2 Mets) in the elderly during snow shoveling were higher than those in home farming (104 beats · min^-1, 3.0 Mets), level walking (107 beats · min^-1, 3.6 Mets) and level walking on snow surface (112 beats · min^-1, 3.8 Mets). These results suggest that snow shoveling is demanding task for older women and that to keep desirable level of fitness is important for the residents in snowy regions.

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Snow melting, snowfalls or precipitation will be concerned with geotechnical subjects such as foundation engineering or road management from the point of view of urban planning or Sabo. 2004 Niigata-ken Chuetsu Earthquake rendered relatives scrutinize slope stability, but disclosed lack in evaluation of extent damage considering snow period. In this paper, the authors analyzed disaster circumstances on snow prevention facilities clue to earthquake and winter weather based on field survey or soil testing. This paper clarified and segmented as follows, 1) Results of damaged fence for avalanche control near epicenter where are involved Yamakoshi Village, considering geo-morphological properties, and 2) Assessment of road management including disaster mitigation from acquired extent of fracture for snow melting pipe-line and delayed snow removal operation due to earthquake damage. Ultimately, we peered measures for rehabilitation from national or municipal governments in order to promote collaboration between interdisciplinary experts. These methods are suitable level of mitigation under shrinkage budget through real-time trends in Niigata Prefecture.

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