It's another 10cm or so of snow to report this morning, though it is a relatively warm one - into the positives! - and so rather wet snow conditons to what we are used to.

It should be getting colder though as the day moves on today and from tomorrow too it should be a return to winter cold. So just a blip I think.

Just cloud here now but snow due over the coming days into the weekend so we should be getting regular refils.

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Niseko Avalanche Report

Niseko base 6am: 0C, 5cm of wet crystal snow. Moiwa 800m: -3C, northerly breeze, 15cm of fresh. Annupuri 1150m: NW11m/s, -7C, 15m of snowdrifts. Annupuri peak 1308m: NW8.4m/s, -7C. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNW11m/s, Kamui cape: N10m/s, 1.2m waves, 1013hPa.

Wet snowfall due to a low-pressure system inducing warm air inflow. The wind is calm and development of snowdrift is slim. A notable Jan 7th layer will form in the future snowpack due to change in temperature. Although the surface hasn’t been reset, the snow is generally in good condition. The overall avalanche risk is low, however large avalanche (120cm thick) from Jan 3rd layer triggered by humid surface slab slide is to be considered in south facing Haru no taki area. Do not enter those strictly off-limits areas. Gates are scheduled to open from the morning, please follow the ski patrol's instructions.

Many of the avalanche accidents occur in leeward slopes with heavy snowdrift deposit. Better not stimulate slopes with cornices or knoll terrain during of just after storms. They can let go very easily. Be aware that surface slabs formed due to sun-exposure (sun-crusts/film-crusts) can sometimes induce slides from deeper unstable layers. Prudence and vigilance will avoid accidents.

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Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing:

Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 310cm
Base - 150cm

Niseko Village:
Top - 230cm
Base - 160cm

Annupuri:
Top - 195cm
Base - 180cm