This morning I have 15-20cm of snow to report. Hard to put a number on it due to the strong winds that were blowing it around, though wind down at base has calmed down at the moment. Still winds are affecting some lifts at the resorts, as noted below.

As I said the winds that we got yesterday and last night have blown snow around meaning that there'll be places where it's deep and places where it's less so. Caution needed, be careful out there. There should be some great conditions to be found though this morning.

At the moment it's cloudy with light snow falling this morning but stopping as I write this. But taking a look at the forecast, hopefully it will be snowing or soon snowing through until 2014. Fingers crossed wind doesn't play too much of a part in proceedings.

So it's a weekend again and then soon after New Year. There's lots of people around now as you would expect, and a fun lively atmosphere. Fun to be had both on and off the slopes. Hope you enjoy it.

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Niseko Avalanche Report

Niseko base 6am: -4C, 20cm of crushed particle snow and moderate development of snowdrifts. Moiwa 800m: -5C, north-easterly wind & snow, notable development of snowdrifts and cornices. Annupuri 1150m: NNW17m/s, 70cm of very unstable snowdrifts, -10C. Annupuri peak 1308m: N21.9m/s, -10C. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNE15m/s, Kamui cape NNE14m/s, 5.1m waves, 995hPa.

Developing wintry weather pattern is generating heavy snowfall and high winds. The mountain is under a big storm. Snowdrifts are developing drastically and the avalanche hazard is rising in all altitude. Better stay away from knolls, cornices and steep terrains today. Avalanches are most likely to occur during and just after storms. 50-100cm thick slides triggered by internal weak lines within the newly formed Dec 27th layer are to be expected in leeward slopes with heavy snowdrift deposit above 800m. All peak gates will be closed today. Please respect the ski patrol’s decisions. Nitonupuri, Shiribetsudake, Mt.Yotei and all other surrounding peaks are also in very hazardous conditions. Cautious and meticulous planning is required for all mountain activities during this weekend. Better not venture too far. The snow in the trees is good, but visibility can be very bad. Have a nice day.

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

Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 230cm
Base - 80cm
Ace Number 3, King Number 3 and 3; Hanazono Number 3 lifts not operating due to strong wind.

Niseko Village:
Top - 150cm
Base - 110cm
Niseko Gondola and Wonderland Chair lifts not operating at the moment due to wind. Up to 19m/s according to the resort.

Annupuri:
Top - 125cm
Base - 120cm
Gondola and Jumbo Number 1 lifts wind affected.