When winter strikes in northern Japan, Misawa crews have work cut out for them

When winter strikes in northern Japan, Misawa crews have work cut out for them
By Jennifer H. Svan, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Tuesday, February 19, 2008

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan — When the flakes fly, it’s hands down the busiest unit on base.

The 35th Civil Engineer Squadron’s heavy equipment shop is in the business of snow removal, and at this northern Japan base, that’s a 24-hour job from late November through March.

“Thanksgiving, Christmas … the Super Bowl, you name it, when everybody else is at home, we work,” said Tech. Sgt. Mark Day, a heavy equipment operator who oversees snow removal day-shifters.

After last year’s mild winter, the snow gods have wakened from their slumber. As of mid-day Friday, the snow total was 125 inches, already totaling the area’s average annual snowfall, according to military weather officials. Last week alone the base was socked with 20.9 inches, and base meteorologists predict the season total could reach 200 inches before the spring thaw.

Keeping the base operational during snow storms takes more than 100 people and nearly as much equipment. Through the winter, the shop is staffed with 16 military personnel — working three eight-hour shifts — as well as 59 permanent and 59 seasonal Japanese employees. Civil engineers from other shops are called on to help during big storms.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=52589

but many people still don't get the connection,
you have to add at least a one-liner.

edit to add: I've tried posting news articles without comment,
but some people reply and spin it in impossible ways.

We had 125 inches in Boston about 10 years ago and the stuff was everywhere. I can't imagine 200 inches of the white stuff.