The temperatures have been relatively warm for this time of year, climbing as high as -2 for the afternoon highs. This means all the snow we've been getting recently is a bit higher in moisture content than the dry, powder snow we are used to seeing in Furano. On the plus side, the total accumulations are up, so there is plenty of the white stuff to go around. Kitanomine's Premium Zone was scheduled to open today, but all the big, fluffy flakes have made for somewhat unsafe conditions. Rather than risk any potential avalanches, they announced today that the opening of the course will be delayed for the moment. When they do finally get it open, it should be absolutely prime for deep powder skiing.

Another 5+ centimeters fell overnight, and we awoke yet again to the sound of people scraping off their driveways and brushing off their cars. It snowed off and on throughout the morning, but things have quieted down for the afternoon. Things should remain relatively dry for the rest of the night, but tomorrow looks like it will bring another round of snow! The winter weather just doesn't seem to stop this year.