Another morning with no new snowfall to report, though the snow depth for Hirafu has risen by 10cm since yesterday. It did actually snow yesterday for a while after starting off raining.

Impressive numbers for 8th March, 485cm up top there.

A bit milder than this time yesterday actually. We're really feeling like spring right now both in weather and snow conditions, but are at the same time preparing for and rubbing our hands in anticipation of another blast of winter. Hopefully by tomorrow morning I will have some snow to report and it will be colder as a cold front moves in and some potentially heavy snow around Sunday. That would be great, obviously!

For now, it's a fine morning. Fine but cloudy, sort of somewhere in between. All resort lifts set to be open as scheduled.

---

Official Resort Snow Depths

Grand Hirafu & Niseko Hanazono
Top - 485cm
Bottom - 245cm

Niseko Annupuri
Top - 400cm
Bottom - 250cm

Niseko Village
Top - 450cm
Bottom - 230cm

Avalanche Information:

Niseko base 6am: -5C, no new snowfall, sunny, refrozen snow. Moiwa 800m: no new snowfall, no snowdrift development, -5C. Annupuri peak: -7.5C. Coastal data: wind calm, 1.2m waves, pressure 1002hPa. Annupuri snow depth 1000m elevation: 400cm.

A warm front followed by cold air mass has formed a crust on snow surface below 500m, above 800m the surface has recrystallised which will become a significant layer in the future snowpack. The snow on the ridgelines is hard and there has been very little snowfall or snowdrift development. Take care on steep slopes, if you cause the crust to break away it will be like going for a magic carpet ride. In the afternoon as the temperature rises the risk of cornices breaking away increases, avoid traversing below cornices.

Gates 2 and 3 are expected to open at 10.30am. Please follow the ski patrols advice. The mountain is not in good condition due to the change from winter to spring conditions. Beware not only of cracks, there are deep holes as well. The weather can change quickly, prudence and careful planning is required.