Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 51cm Weather overview Cloud Wind Light Temperature -2C base / -7C top Visibility Fair Posted at 8:56am on Friday 23rd November 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here . The day has arrived! Two lifts are moving at Niseko Grand Hirafu this morning and the season in Niseko has officially started. Hirafu are saying that they have 90cm of snow on the upper slopes and 45cm on lower slopes. The Ace No2 Quad (Center 4) and Ace No3 Pair lifts are the ones taking people with wide smiles up the mountain as I write this. As I mentioned yesterday, Annupuri are not opening today as they wait for more snow to get things going. No new cm of snowfall to report since yesterday but it's keeping cold and still under zero. It was quite a clear morning earlier on but there are more clouds around now as the lifts open and probably even some more flakes of snow are due to fall, but likely nothing major. It was fun to see the resort prepare for opening yesterday and last night - having the lights on last night only added to the excitement. The village is certainly suddenly seeming busier but that is mostly with people involved in the local businesses making final preparations for the season. For those clever ones that have already got their preparation in place, I'm sure they will be making up some of the numbers of people out on the slopes in this early season phase. There's a rather familiar look to the weekly forecast as it stands at the moment... the chance of snowfall on most days. I'm good with that. Looks like it is going to get very cold indeed tonight before perhaps warming up slightly at the end of the weekend and into Monday - though warm is perhaps not the best choice of words! Have fun. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 23rd November 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 51cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 4 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (19th and 21st November) November 2012 snowfall 51cm Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 17cm Snowfall at base this season 266cm Weather overview Cloud Wind Calm Temperature - Visibility - Posted at 1:56pm on Friday 21st December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . After some sun yesterday, the snow started again in the afternoon. A little less than 20 cm by the morning--heavier than what we've had recently, but it's still snow! The base keeps building, and more resorts keep on opening. Operations and official snow depths Akakura Kanko (Akakan) Sky Cable gondola, Nos. 3 & 5 lifts; 130cm Akakura Onsen Ginrei Nos. 3 & 5; Kumado Nos. 2, 4, 6; 130cm Ikenotaira Open; 70cm Suginohara Gondola; Mitahara zone closed; 110cm Seki Onsen Open; 140cm Kyukamura Opening December 22 Myoko Ski Park Open; 120cm Tangram No. 3 lift; 40cm Madarao Nos. 1 & 2 lifts; 60cm Myoko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 21st December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 266cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 10 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 61cm (2nd December) November 2012 snowfall 17cm reported on 3 days December 2012 snowfall 249cm reported on 7 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Myoko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 65cm Snowfall at base this season 249cm Weather overview Cloud cover Wind Moderate Temperature - Visibility - Posted at 9:14am on Wednesday 19th December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Oh, that powder snow is here. Really light, fluffy, powder snow--not what you'd expect in December, but really nice. Today is not a day to sit and write snow reports; just the facts, and I'm out the door! Myoko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Wednesday 19th December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 249cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 9 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 61cm (2nd December) November 2012 snowfall 17cm reported on 3 days December 2012 snowfall 232cm reported on 6 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Myoko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 0cm Weather overview - Wind - Temperature - Visibility - Posted at 4:43pm on Wednesday 7th November 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . It's a wintery-looking day up in the mountains today; we've had rain and sun and one of the biggest rainbows I've ever seen here. Looks like it could be snowing up high—hard to say for sure, but it's always fun to look up and think about the coming months. The real snow probably won't hit until late this month at the earliest—we usually get one big dump of wet snow that breaks trees and strands people who put off the change to snow tires, but won't linger or be deep enough to get the lifts going. I wanted to thank the SnowJapan team, who put up a few initial reports. Your reporter at the base of the Akakan Ski Area is now here, ready to go. I'll try and update things once a week or so until things really get going. If there's snow at base level, I'll let you know (on the peaks--OK, it looks nice, but you're not going to go get into it!). Changes: the only major change for the season is the removal of one of the main lifts at Akakan. This means a little longer ski down to get the main lift to the top. Word is that it's economics--there is some duplication of lifts (but try telling that to the race groups that regularly use the big Champion slope), and labor costs are just too high. I'm told that electricity is not an issue, but keeping staff on is. Having said that, though, it looks like there will be a much higher international presence this season. A few of the hotels are basically sold out. And that means more people on weekdays as well as the weekends. One lift going out won't matter that much, though. The countdown begins..... Myoko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Saturday 3rd November 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 0cm Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Myoko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 0cm Weather overview Mostly cloudy, light snow Wind Light Temperature 2C base / 0C top Visibility - Posted at 11:06am on Saturday 3rd November 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . More 'signs' to report from Myoko where the first snow of the season was walked upon up at Tsubame Onsen (1120m) yesterday morning. 3cm or so of it as well and of course higher up would have got more. The snow crept quite a fair bit down the mountain as well and this morning we can still see the top half of Myoko with a bit of a coating... It will get slightly warmer over the next few days but we can perhaps expect a bit more snowfall later on in the coming week. Myoko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Saturday 3rd November 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 0cm Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Myoko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 1493cm Weather overview Cloud, light snow Wind Light Temperature 4C base / 1C top Visibility Varied Posted at 8:00am on Friday 3rd May 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here ...and it's not quite over yet, as they say! A dusting of snow this morning at base areas though it is more like sleet right now as I write this. Niseko Grand Hirafu resort are actually seeing an increase of 5cm for their upper slopes snow depth data this morning and so there might be some more 'deep' to find up there this morning for those heading out early... it has been a really great start to, er, May! With cloud and snow still falling up there, it's not good visibility today. The precipitation should ease by around lunchtime and leave us with just cloud. Drier conditions are forecast now through Monday. The Hirafu Gondola is operating today for the rest of Golden Week, ie. until Monday. For those of you interested, today is Constitution Memorial Day (Kenpo kinenbi), tomorrow is Greenery Day (Midori no hi) and Monday is The Last Day of the Season (otherwise known as Childrens's Day, Kodomo no hi!). Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 3rd May 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1491cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 113 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 443cm reported on 26 days February 2013 snowfall 316cm reported on 24 days March 2013 snowfall 164cm reported on 19 days April 2013 snowfall 32cm reported on 6 days May 2013 snowfall 2cm reported on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 1491cm Weather overview Cloud, rain Wind Light Temperature 4C base / 1C top Visibility Varied Posted at 8:20am on Tuesday 30th April 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It's quite bright this morning, but cloudy and raining as I write this... Niseko Village are actually reporting light snow higher up on the resort area. Currently it is around 4 degrees here at Hirafu base. Rain on and off forecast for the day, but when it gets colder overnight there's a chance it might just turn into some white stuff for us. I'll let you know tomorrow of course. Back to a normal weekday today (or sort of normal, sandwiched as it is between the two main parts of Golden Week) and as such the Hirafu gondola is being rested for a few days now and should be back open from Friday until Monday... the last day of the season. Other lifts appear to be ready to be moving as normal this morning. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Tuesday 30th April 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1491cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 113 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 443cm reported on 26 days February 2013 snowfall 316cm reported on 24 days March 2013 snowfall 164cm reported on 19 days April 2013 snowfall 32cm reported on 6 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1486cm Weather overview Cloud Wind Light Temperature 2C base / -3C top Visibility Fine Posted at 8:56am on Saturday 13th April 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Lots of cloud around this morning but breaks in them as well. For now early on things are nice and calm and I would imagine planned lifts will be open this Saturday morning. Rain might happen later on in the day though and overnight into tomorrow... possibly more snow at higher elevations? There may be leftovers of that into tomorrow morning, along with stronger winds forecast. Going back to what I mentioned yesterday, my good friend was out there on Thursday and reporting some really nice almost-deep conditions on the mountain. Up to 20cm or so in places? Nice weather conditions by the sound of things as well. Not bad for the getting on for the middle of April! Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Saturday 13th April 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1486cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 112 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 443cm reported on 26 days February 2013 snowfall 316cm reported on 24 days March 2013 snowfall 164cm reported on 19 days April 2013 snowfall 27cm reported on 5 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 1464cm Weather overview Clear and fine Wind Light Temperature -1C base / -5C top Visibility Great Posted at 8:42am on Monday 1st April 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here April is starting with a lovely morning here in Niseko. And some new snow to enjoy out there as well, nice. Not peak season powder like snow, but fresh snowfall all the same. There's just a few wispy clouds here and there, but apart from that it's blue skies over the mountain. All resorts seem to be open as planned today so it should be a great day to be out sliding down the mountain. Japanese people don't celebrate Easter of course but there were more than a few people here for the Easter holidays. From now on, the slopes will be getting quieter once again through until the end of the season. A good time to meet some 'locals' as many get a bit of a break from peak season busy-ness! In resort news, from today Niseko Village will be operating the Niseko Gondola, Community Chair and Wonderland Chair lifts until the end of next weekend. Planned closing dates at the resorts are posted below, all subject to change of course. Planned resort operations Niseko Hanazono - until Sunday 7th April Niseko Village - until Sunday 7th April Niseko Annupuri - until Monday 6th May Niseko Grand Hirafu - until Monday 6th May Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Monday 1st April 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1464cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 107 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 443cm reported on 26 days February 2013 snowfall 316cm reported on 24 days March 2013 snowfall 164cm reported on 19 days April 2013 snowfall 5cm reported on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 1459cm Weather overview Cloud, snow Wind Varied Temperature -2C base / -6C top Visibility Variable Posted at 8:24am on Sunday 31st March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here We had a dusting of snow last night in Niseko though it didn't amount to much just a trace really here. I see that the report below is reporting 3cm. It might be the last day of Match, but it's still snowing. Conditions were clearer earlier on this morning. The sun was out and it looked like we might be on for a clear fine day, but as I type this report it has clouded over and snow is falling from the skies. I doubt it will last long though and the local forecast is for a generally cloudy day. So rather changeable conditions at the moment. It is currently -2 degrees here in the Hirafu village area. There's a moderate wind blowing but it looks like resorts plan to have lifts open as planned this morning. As noted below, today's Avalanche Report is the last one of the current season and as always many thanks to the Niseko Avalanche Institute. We will continue to keep these Niseko Now reports updated though until the end of the season in May. Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: -6C, 3cm new snow crystals, calm and sunny. No peak data. Coastal data: wind SW6m/s, 1.0m waves, pressure 1019hPa. Annupuri peak predicted windspeed at noon: W10m/s. Snow depth at 1000m: 400cm. Light winds and small amount of snow drift development with current high pressure system. General avalanche risk is low. However if temperature rises shallow surface avalanches will easily occur. Caution on open steep slopes. Peak gates are expected to open at 9.30am. Whether cracks are present or not, on cornice slopes around 1100m the probability of full depth avalanche is getting higher. These will wipe out everything in their path. Dont ride the valley bottoms. This information is issued to protect the freedom and minimum safety for all mountain users. The mountain is never completely safe. With care most accidents can be avoided. Ducking ropes, then other people following your tracks increases the probability of accidents. Don't over estimate your skills, experience or equipment. Listen to patrols advice. When the gates are closed it is for good reason. This is the last of 108 avalanche reports this season. It does not mean the mountain is safe now though, dangers still exist. Be safe out there. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 31st March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1459cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 107 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 443cm reported on 26 days February 2013 snowfall 316cm reported on 24 days March 2013 snowfall 164cm reported on 19 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 1448cm Weather overview Cloud, light to moderate snow Wind Moderate Temperature -9C base / -15C top Visibility Poor Posted at 9:27am on Tuesday 26th March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here This morning I do have some new snowfall to report. About 10cm of it in fact. And it continues to snow now. The snow depth at Niseko Grand Hirafu has gone up again and we are still above 5m. I was just taking a look back at last years reports and it seems that on this day last year that figure was standing at 425cm, so we're doing pretty good I'd say. Not much of a wind to bother the lifts this morning so we are all open as planned. Temperature hovering around 0 degrees as I write this report this morning. Tomorrow is likely to be warmer with the sun due to make an appearance. Some lifts are now closed as the number of people on the slopes decreases: Niseko Annupuri - Jumbo Number 2 pair and Family pair Niseko Village - Morino Chair Niseko Grand Hirafu - Ace 1, King 1, Ace 4 Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: -6C, 3cm new snow (broken particles). Moiwa 800m: -7C W5m/s,slight snowdrift growth. Coastal data: wind WNW9m/s, 1.0m waves, pressure 1012hPa. Annupuri peak predicted windspeed at noon: SW10m/s. Weak westerly system produced some snow overnight, 10cm in Hirafu area. Peak gates are expected to open at 9.30am. Listen to patrols advice before leaving resort area. Avoid getting caught in large scale spring avalanche, do not ride in valley bottoms. They are predicted to start around 900m-1100m, Kozan no Sawa (BackBowl) sidewall and Osawa(F5) especially. Beware standing near cornices, they have grown to massive size over the winter and can collapse instantly. Also think about safe zones to wait in. With rising temperatures shallow avalanches will occur easily on steep slopes. If they fracture over a large area they travel at high speed and are very dangerous. Use caution riding and traversing, travel 1 by 1. This report is issued daily with the hope of making out of bounds riding safer. Have a good day. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Tuesday 26th March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1448cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 105 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 443cm reported on 26 days February 2013 snowfall 316cm reported on 24 days March 2013 snowfall 153cm reported on 17 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 17cm Snowfall at base this season 1362cm Weather overview Snow Wind Light Temperature -10C base / -13C top Visibility Generally poor Posted at 8:40am on Saturday 9th March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko and welcome to the start of another weekend. It's a snowy and windy start to the day - it's one of those days when it is difficult to put a number on it because the wind has been blowing it all around. So I'm going to have to go with how much there is outside here which is about 15-20cm. Spoken to some friends around the area just now and asked them - some say less than 5cm, one said nearly 30cm. So there you go. The safest thing to say is that we have got some fresh snow to play in this morning and you'll find places where it's drifted giving some depth and others where it's covering the what we had up until yesterday. Caution needed. So yesterday after a sunny morning and that awful sound of melting snow from around the building, it clouded over and got darker in the afternoon and wet snow started to fall. Thankfully the snow quality we see this morning is of a better quality. It's nice and cold this morning too. Niseko Grand Hirafu is reporting a temperature or -13C at top and -10C at base. The thermometer outside here is saying -7C as of just after 8am. What's not as nice is the strong winds howling outside we have experienced this morning. It's still early and not all lifts are at their opening time yet but we can definitely expect some disruption this morning. Hirafu have said that their Ace Number 2 Center Four, Ace Number 3 and 4, King Number 3 and 4 lifts are on stand-by, with the lower lifts open. At Hanazono all three lifts are on stand-by. Niseko Village reported wind of up to 30m/s at 7:40am but their three lower lifts are operating. Best to check with the resorts to get the latest. We can expect snow and wind through today and tomorrow. Take care out there. Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: -7C, 20cm new snowfall, broken particle snow, blizzard. Moiwa 800m: blizzard, bad visibility, snowdrift growth, -12C. Annupuri peak: -16.8C. Coastal data: wind NW21m/s, 3.1m waves, pressure 1001hPa. Annupuri snow depth 1000m elevation: 400cm. Blizzard conditions due to a strong winter weather pattern forming after the passing of the low pressure system. The avalanche risk is extreme today, regardless of elevation, due to the rapid growth of snowdrifts. From snowfall transition and observation, snowdrifts have grown 80-120cm on leeward slopes around 800m. The drifts are weakly bonded to 8th Mar layer and prone to avalanche. Most avalanche accidents occur during a storm, however the risk continues after the wind has begun to drop. All gates will be closed. Today do not ride in the valley bottoms. Do not duck ropes and ski out of bounds. Mountain guides should make safety their highest priority while respecting Niseko Rules. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Saturday 9th March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1362cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 94 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 443cm reported on 26 days February 2013 snowfall 316cm reported on 24 days March 2013 snowfall 67cm reported on 6 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com