The Heaviest Snowfall Records in History

Impressive as the depths recorded in North America might seem, the deepest snow on earth accumulates in the Japanese Alps of Honshu Island around the 2,000-6,000 foot level. The average annual snowfall is estimated to be in the 1200 to1500 inches (100 -125 feet) range. This would leave only the last 55 feet of the Leaning Tower of Pisa in the clear. (see The Climate of Japan by E. Fukui p. 171). On February 14, 1927 a snow depth of 465.4 inches was measured on Mt. Ibuki at 5,000 feet elevation. In fact, these amazing snow depths are a singular tourist attraction. A highway that transects the mountains is kept open all winter. It is known as the Yuki-no-Otani Snow Canyon.