At last the winds calm down and all of the lifts are either already operating or being prepared at the time of writing and so the mountain should be fully open today.

Temperatures about the same as yesterday, though to me it doesn't feel quite as cold - no doubt because of the wind factor. It is a nice clearish kind of morning though and some blue sky up there with fine views of the surrounding mountains to be enjoyed. No new snowfall overnight but probably about 10-15cm since my last report... one of those times when it is difficult to put a number on it as the wind was blowing it all around yesterday. We can probably expect to find varying conditions out on the mountain because of that.

Snow is due later on along with a dip in temperatures over the next few days.

Official Resort Snow Depths

Grand Hirafu & Niseko Hanazono
Top - 295cm
Bottom - 135cm

Niseko Annupuri
Top - 240cm
Bottom - 190cm

Niseko Village
Top - 290cm
Bottom - 180cm

Avalanche Information:

Niseko base 6am: -9C, no snowfall and calm weather. Coastal data: SSE4m/s, 1.1m waves and 1013hPa. Moiwa 800m: -13C, snowdrifts development has stopped and the snowpack is stabilizing. Annupuri peak predicted wind at noon: W20m/s. The wind is currently calm due to a passing low-pressure system, but will pick up as the system moves east. There has been no notable snowfall since late night and the snowpack is stabilizing.

Gates below 1000m are scheduled to open from the morning but may close anytime as the weather is forecasted to worsen. Gate 3 is ready but the opening hasn't been decided yet, it will depend on the weather. Please respect the patrol's decision.

The cornices have grown huge and are very unstable. Stabilization in avalanche terrain such as leeward knolls and heavy snowdrift slopes is delayed; slides triggered by riding stimulation are still to be highly expected in those terrains. Gates opening does NOT mean that it is safe out there. DO NOT traverse across slopes under cornices or unnecessarily stimulate suspicious slopes. The snow in the trees is in good shape. Think safety first, stay humble and reasonable in the mountains; the consequences can be much more severe than you think. Respect the Niseko Rules and have an enjoyable day.