Snowing pretty much all day yesterday again, with the winds ever present and getting stronger especially later in the day.

There's another 15-20cm of new snowfall here in Hirafu since my last report. It's not quite as cold this morning, hovering around 0C at the moment, but the strong winds are still with us. At the time of writing, it looks like a few lifts are being affected - including the King Number 3 triple and Swinging Monkey at Hirafu, the top quad at Hanazono, and the Gondola at Niseko Village. Lifts at Annupuri don't seem to be operating yet, though that may well just be that the information hasn't been updated. Anyway the situation may well change depending on the weather conditions of course.

Clearer conditions seem likely tomorrow - we might even get to see the sun again sometime in the next few days.

Less people around now as we enter the week, but more and more will be arriving now as Christmas and New Year approaches.

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Planned lift operations - may well be affected by wind today:

Grand Hirafu:
Ace Family Pair
Ace Number 3 Pair
Ace Number 2 Quad Center Four
King Number 3 Triple
Swinging Monkey
Hirafu Gondola
Holiday Number 1 Pair

Hanazono:
Hanazono Number 1 Quad
Hanazono Number 2 Quad
Hanazono Number 3 Quad

Niseko Village:
Niseko Gondola
Community Chair
Banzai Chair
Morino Chair

Annupuri:
Gondola
Jumbo Number 1 quad
Jumbo Number 2
Jumbo Number 3

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Niseko Avalanche Report

Niseko base 6am: 0C, 12 hours snowfall 20cm of hail & crushed crystal snow. Moiwa 500m: NE5m/s, -1C and no development of snowdrifts in the inbounds area. Coastal data: Benkei cape NE11m/s, Kamui cape E6m/s,1.7m waves (6m at midnight), 1009hPa.

The isobars are spacing out but the wind remains strong in high altitude. Heavy snowdrifts have developed in leeward slopes above 800m due to last night’s severe storm. 50cm thick slides are to be highly considered in steep slopes under 800m altitude, as the newly & drastically formed snowdrift-slabs are yet to stabilize. Potential sliding layer Dec 14th. The slab is heavy due to the incoming warm air and even small avalanches can be highly destructive. The snowpack is still insufficient and the setting of gates will take a little while. Do not duck ropes to seek fresh lines. The wind calmed down and the snow is good. Beware of hitting trees. The resorts are concerned about your safety, please respect the Niseko Rules and the ski patrol’s instructions. Have a nice day.

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Official snow depth numbers:

Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 215cm
Base - 75cm

Niseko Village:
Top - 120cm
Base - 80cm

Annupuri:
Top - 110cm
Base - 90cm