Well I said we were expecting more snow overnight and we sure got it. Yesterday was mostly cloudy and as evening approached the clouds came down lower and it was snowing.

The headline this morning belongs to Hakuba Cortina again with their up to 50cm of snow since yesterday. This morning Hakuba 47 is claiming up to 40cm of fresh snowfall on upper slopes and 20-30cm around base. Here in the village I'd put the number on around 20cm, perhaps more. Another of those days when it should just be really good and deep everywhere.

Right now it is approx. -5 degrees C in the village and there's a light north easterly wind. Stronger winds higher up on the mountain with Usagidaira reporting a wind speed of around 7m/s. It's -9C up there now.

Happo seems to be affected by upper mountain winds about Usagidaira this morning with the Gondola and top areas of the resort not opening up as yet. No particular details of other delays or non openings this morning but there's a chance of wind affected operations. For the latest check their official sites.

There's lots of cloud around still but it almost feels like it's going to clear up and some blue sky up there amongst all the remaining cloud. The sun is making some brief sneaky appearances as well. The forecast has us down for snow showers today and through tomorrow though. Perhaps we could be in for a surprise clear-up.

The new heavy snowfall brings with it increased avalanche risks. This recent heavy snowfall has put rapid load on the already weak upper snowpack. With the potential dangers this brings, it is highly advisable to stay out of unsupported backcountry and side country areas today as well as away from steep convex slopes. Staying out of the Alpine zone all together is highly recommended. There's tons of powder on the supported slopes and more than enough fun for everyone.

Looks like nighta at Happo today has changed times. Going to be 6pm to 9pm as the resort will be out grooming between 5pm and 6pm for some nice nighta coudroy conditions.

Once we get to Monday the skies will probably begin to clear and then it looks like we might see a run of a few days of clearer possibly sunny weather. Maybe a few bluebirds in there. Going to warm up a bit too.

For now though, lots of fresh snow to enjoy. Going to be lots of people out there.

Take care and have fun.

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Official snow depths and operations @ Saturday 23rd February 2013 AM:

Hakuba Goryu:
Official snow depths:
Alps daira - 315cm;
Toomi - 150cm;
Iimori - 130cm

Hakuba 47:
20-30cm at base, 40cm up top new snowfall reported by Hakuba 47.
Official snow depth:
Upper - 290cm
Lower - 190cm

Happo-one:
Official snow depth:
Usagidaira - 300cm
Nakiyama/Shirakaba - 160cm
Sakka - 160cm

Tsugaike Kogen:
Official snow depth:
Upper slopes - 370cm
Lower slopes - 170cm

Hakuba Cortina:
40-50cm of new snow reported by Hakuba Cortina since yesterday.
Official snow depth:
Upper slopes - 440cm
Lower slopes - 295cm

Hakuba Iwatake:
Official snow depth:
Upper slopes - 210cm
Lower slopes - 85cm

Hakuba Sanosaka:
Official snow depth:
170cm

Hakuba Minekata:
160cm