I'll never get bored of reporting 15-20cm of new snow in a morning, so this morning I very happily once again report another 15-20cm of new snow in the village area of Niseko since my last report!

So yesterday the winds did affect lift operations with a few closed, but this morning there is less wind and lifts seem to be operating as planned from the get go.

Snow is still falling, but the forecast tells us to expect the snow to ease off and for us to end up seeing the sun today. That will make for a change! It is a cold -8C outside.

Tomorrow we might even get to see more of the sun actually, though it should remain cold. After that, back to snow on Sunday.

The JMA (Japan Meteorological Agency) snowfall statistics for Kutchan town in December 2012 so far is currently standing on 287cm. We are still just over 60cm off last years December numbers, but the current number is already more than the snowfall in the previous five Decembers.

Official Resort Snow Depths

Grand Hirafu
Top - 300cm
Bottom - 150cm

Niseko Annupuri
Top - 235cm
Bottom - 190cm

Niseko Village
Top - 270cm
Bottom - 170cm

Niseko Hanazono
Top - 300cm
Bottom - 150cm

Avalanche Information:

Niseko base: -11C, 15cm of crystal snow, no development of snowdrift. Coastal data: WNW10m/s, 1.8m waves, 1024hPa.

Moiwa 800m: -15C, 15cm of fresh snow and light development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1000m: W12m/s, -16C and light development of snowdrifts. The storm calmed down late at night and the wind is calm since 2am. The storm that persisted for 50hours made giant cornices and deep snowdrifts that are still extremely unstable. Avalanche related accidents generally happen in leeward slopes during a storm, however high avalanche hazards continues for a while after the storm. Gates 1, 2, 4 and 6 are scheduled to open before noon, time not determined. Avalanche risk remains very high in 1000m Osawa cornice area, Higashi-One’s wind-affected area, Moiwa-Mikaeri knoll area. Thick slabs of up to 100cm are likely to slide anytime. Always keep in mind that outside the gates is not the resort anymore. The safety is up to each and every skier/rider that goes out there. Ask for the ski patrol’s advice, respect the Rules and step out the gates. The snow is very good. Have a safe day.