Yesterday we saw fanstastic conditions on the slopes and there was enough powder for everyone. These great condition continue through today with soft packed powder all day long. In the valley we received 4cm new snow in the past 24 hours and it is currently snowing lightly. Tiny patches of blue skies are visible from time to time and we are expecting snow showers and clearings throughout the day.

The resorts are officially reporting 5-25 cm new snow adding a nice new layer to the slopes. Temperatures will range from -6 C to -12 C with a wind chill factor making is feel like -19 C at times. So, bundle up! Winds have picked up from yesterday and are a gentle breeze to 4m/s from the WNW. The freezing levels will stay low at sea level and so keeping the snow nice and dry.

Monday night the precipitation levels will increase as our next system moves in and Tuesday night is projected for the heaviest accumulation. Enjoy this little clearing patch before we get our next storm.

Again, with all this new snowfall avalanche conditions have been set at considerable below the treeline and high above the tree line. Do please remember to ride with care for yourself and others and also respect the resort rules and regulations.

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AVALANCHE INVOLVEMENT: Sadly one person dead due to being buried in a very large slab avalanche on an open south face just off the side of one of the Hakuba resorts. The man was wearing a beacon but his friends and other by-standers could not locate him in the immense amount of debris. His body was finally found by Search and Rescue workers at 17:00. It is suspected that avalanche sheared at the January 22nd sun crust and storm snow interface.

Use your head to make well informed decisions and be sure to carry all the proper safety and rescue gear if you are heading into off piste and backcountry areas. Stay to well supported and simple terrain away from steep and convex terrain to reduce hazard and injury.

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Official snow depths and operations @ Sunday 29th January 2012 AM:

Hakuba Goryu:
Goryu reported 5cm of new snow on upper slopes and 1cm on lower areas this morning. All lifts plan to be operating though winds may affect upper lifts. Iimori Cosmo River course being used for races and so limitations there.
Official snow depths:
Alps daira - 275cm;
Toomi - 125cm;
Iimori - 115cm.

Hakuba 47:
47 reporting 2cm of new snowfall this morning. All courses and lifts open/operating.
Official snow depth:
Upper - 247cm
Lower - 135cm

Happo-one:
Ski lifts/courses:
All lifts apart from Happo No1 pair and Kurobishi No3 pair operating - and the Grad quad is closed this morning due to strong winds.
Official snow depth:
Usagidaira - 210cm;
Sakka - 120cm;
Nakiyama - 120cm.

Tsugaike Kogen:
Official snow depth:
Upper slopes - 280cm
Champion - 220cm

Hakuba Cortina:
Cortina are reporting 20-25cm of fresh snowfall since yesterday. Resort fully open today.
Official snow depth:
Upper - 360cm
Lower - 275cm

Hakuba Norikura:
Official snow depth:
200cm

Hakuba Iwatake:
Official snow depth:
Upper - 160cm
Lower - 100cm

Hakuba Sanosaka:
110cm

Hakuba Minekata:
100cm