This season, the snowfall is much higher than normal, mainly on the Sea of ​​Japan side, and in some places it is more than triple the normal.

Accidents during snow removal have occurred one after another, and there have been cases of death.

One thing that requires special attention when dealing with accumulated snow is falling snow from the roof.

In Akita Prefecture, which was hit by a record heavy snowfall, seven people were killed by the 14th of this month on suspicion of falling snow.

It has already been the highest in the last 10 years.

The first thing I want you to know is how scary a snowfall is.

This video was taken on the 4th of this month in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture.



When there is thick snow on the roof, it collapses at once.



An event of only 10 seconds in time.


If you are under the eaves, you cannot escape.

[Fear of falling snow 1] Impact that dents the car

How much energy is the snowfall?



We asked Kenji Kosugi, director of the Snow and Ice Environment Laboratory, National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention, Shinjo City, Yamagata Prefecture, who is studying snow damage and countermeasures.

Mr. Kosugi introduced a video of an experiment.



A rectangular parallelepiped snow with a side of 30 to 60 cm is dropped from the roof toward the car under the eaves.

Then, with a bang, the ceiling of the car was dented.



It is said that when a lump of snow of about 30 kg is dropped from a height of about 5 meters, a force equivalent to the weight of several hundred kg is applied.



Mr. Kosugi points out, "As time goes by, the snow becomes tighter and heavier under its own weight. The snow falls from the roof several meters high, which is a considerable shock."

[Fear of falling snow 2] I can't get out because of the weight

In addition, Mr. Kosugi told me that it is difficult to get out when involved as another fear of falling snow.



Mariko Kunitomo, a reporter from Akita Broadcasting Station, actually experienced how much it was.



While sitting with your legs stretched out, put snow on your legs.



When the height of the piled snow reached about 60 cm, the weight and coldness made it difficult to move my legs, and it became quite difficult to stand up.



Even fresh snow that has just fallen weighs about 100 kilograms per cubic meter.



When it hardens further and becomes "tight snow", it weighs three times as much as 300 kg with the same volume.



When it melts and becomes "rough snow" with large snow grains, it weighs about 500 kg with the same volume.



It looks light and fluffy, but once caught in a heavy snowfall, it not only makes it harder to escape, but also chokes and puts you at risk of life.



In addition, the body temperature may be deprived and in the worst case, death may occur.



Mr. Kosugi says, "If you get caught in a snowfall, it is difficult to escape with just your feet, and if your whole body is buried, the danger will increase."

To protect your life from falling snow

What can I do to save my life from falling snow?



The important thing is to stay away from buildings where there is a risk of snowfall.



Particular attention should be paid when there is a "snow pi" under the eaves.



When removing snow, keep away from the eaves and be sure to have multiple people if absolutely necessary.



You need to wear a helmet and a whistle to call for help and be more careful than usual.



Also, when removing snow from the roof, you may accidentally step on the snow and fall down with the snow.



It is important to always wear a lifeline and work with people on the ground to let them know the boundary with the roof.



A life-threatening accident has occurred this winter.



Keep an eye out for snow removal and snow removal as usual, and be careful when working.