The snow mostly cleared yesterday afternoon and a few patches of sunshine occasionaly lit up the mountain. Overnight there was just a dusting and this morning has been only partly cloudy with more sunshine and temperatures getting up near freezing at village level. The winds have abated and finally the peak gates are open with some great powder to be found in the bowls after all the snow over the last few days. Some more snow is expected over the region tonight into tomorrow morning but temperatures tomorrow will rise quickly and get well above freezing and rain is expected late in the day.
Today will be a great day on the mountain with plenty of fresh tracks everywhere and few people competing to get them. Good quality powder with a little sunshine and few crowds is what March in Niseko is all about!

Current Official Snow Depths:

Grand Hirafu:
Top - 330
Bottom - 195

Niseko Village:
Top - 360
Bottom - 160

Annupuri:
Top - 355
Bottom - 200

Avalanche Information:
(Information as of this morning)

Niseko Avalanche Info No.94

Moiwa base 6am: -5℃, no fresh snow.
Coastal data: W10m/s at Benkei cape, SW14m/s, 1.5m waves and 1008hPa at Kamui cape.
Annupuri peak: SW6.2m/s at 6am and has been stagnating below 15m/s during the night but a south-westerly wind is forecasted to pick up around noon.
Hirafu patrol peak report 6am: slight snowdrift development, -10℃ and calm condition.
According to various data analysis and observations, the snow pack is stabilizing and the avalanche hazard is lowering.
Peak gates are scheduled to open at 9:30.
Yesterday’s snow is rounding and stabilizing, however an 80+cm slide from Mar 16th layer is still to be considered if the slope is strongly stimulated.
Do not forcibly brake cornices or stimulate knolls in 1000m open steep slopes, especially in the shades as it may induce a major avalanche. Carefully choose the touring routes/riding lines.
The bottom of the gully is the avalanche path that should always be avoided. Avalanches become accidents only if someone is involved in it.
The snow condition differs from east to west side of the mountain, however is generally good below 1000m.
Always remember that outside the gate is not the resort anymore. Blindly following a track won’t necessarily take you to a safe place.
Ducking ropes or stepping into strictly off-limits areas are strictly prohibited by the Niseko Rules.