[Niigata Prefecture] See drift ice in the mountains, "The snow drift of the Harama River" - a sight you can only see here!

A spring feature seen at the Aburumagawa Dam deep in the mountains of Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture "Mountain drift ice" or "Aburumagawa snow flow" This is a very rare natural phenomenon that occurs in early spring and can only be seen here in Japan This area is a heavy snow area, and more than 4m of snow falls every winter. The water level of the dam rises as meltwater flows in with the arrival of spring, which causes the snow covering the lake surface to rise, and eventually the snow breaks up and looks like "drift ice". This phenomenon is called "snow flow". The season usually lasts for about two weeks from early to mid-April However, the period varies greatly depending on the amount of snowfall and weather conditions of the year 2 In 2015, the snowfall was more than 4m, but the weather was also low, so the snow flow may have occurred later than usual. The snow flow situation will be updated on the Uonuma City Tourism Association website. The timing of viewing is also a guideline when the dam's water level (water utilization capacity) is 75% or more, so you need to check the "Niigata Prefecture River Disaster Prevention Information System." Photo spots are indicated on-site, but are also introduced on the Uonuma City Tourism Association website. There is also free parking. However, please note that there are no shops or public toilets in the area. Location: Aburumagawa Dam, Oshirakawa, Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year Admission and parking are free Access: About 50 minutes by car from Uonuma IC on the Kan'etsu Expressway, no public transportation #Seasonal places in Japan #Niigata Prefecture #Breathtaking views #Spring scenery