shape of lingering snow on a mountainside
Refers to the pattern or figure formed by remaining snow on mountain slopes, often used in traditional weather lore or seasonal observation. Related to 雪占 (yukiura, snow divination).
See also: 雪占
In spring, shapes of lingering snow appear on the mountains.
Local people decide the timing of farm work by observing the snow shapes.
Compound of 雪 (yuki, 'snow') and 形 (kata, 'shape'). The reading ゆきがた is a rendaku form of かた.