An early report this morning before the lifts get going.

It's a cloudy start to the day here. Temps dipped to just below freezing overnight and at the moment it is around 0 degrees here in the Hirafu base area. There's doesn't seem to be much of a wind this morning here so fingers crossed all of the lifts will be open as planned, though the report below is saying that there's stronger winds above 1000m and the forecast is telling us to expect windier conditions later on from around lunchtime. It's also saying that the clouds might clear up as the day progresses too...

For all of those interested in the Kutchan town official snowfall numbers that we have been following... March 2013 is currently on 116cm. So easily beating last season when the number was 79cm, but not as good as the two seasons before when we got over 2m of snow in Kutchan. As I always mention, this is Kutchan, not the resorts - where there's considerably more as per reported here each day. When the new SnowJapan site goes online soon, there'll be some more interesting numbers to take in and compare... oh, what a tease I am.

:)

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Official Resort Snow Depths

Grand Hirafu & Niseko Hanazono
Top - 485cm
Bottom - 210cm

Niseko Annupuri
Top - 400cm
Bottom - 250cm

Niseko Village
Top - 430cm
Bottom - 200cm

Avalanche Information:

Niseko base 6am: -1C, no new snow, cloudy. Peak Data: not available. Coastal data: wind WNW11m/s, 0.8m waves, pressure 1011hPa. Annupuri peak predicted windspeed at noon: W15m/s.

A weak cold front moved through and snow surface is refrozen. Above 1000m there has been a strong westerly wind, however there has been no significant snow drift development. General avalanche risk is low. All peak gates are expected to open at 9.30am.

On steep slopes around 900m, such as Mikaeri Bowl, many more cracks are opening and existing are widening, as tension is relieved in the slope. From now the risk of full depth avalanches, starting around 900m-1100m, is increasing. Steep open slopes with no trees show evidence of past avalanche activity. Do not ride these slopes as there is strong likelihood they will slide again with devastating consequences for anyone caught in their path.

As the mountain turns to spring, the snow becomes more difficult to ride. Group leaders need to plan safe routes to avoid bad snow. Don't overestimate your skills or experience, have a safe day.