It may be March but I have another 10cm of snow to report from Hirafu this morning... Niseko isn't forgetting to be consistent, for now anyway.

There's quite a bit of cloud around but it's a fine morning and calm too. Annupuri have been reporting some stronger winds up top, but over here in Hirafu all seems fairly calm - the flags are taking a rest from being blown about, the sun is out. Yes, a nice morning. Feels like the cloud that is remaining might well clear up.

Hardly any snow on the forecast in the coming week - more sun and/or cloud - with a pattern of temperatures gradually warming up as the week goes on.

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Official Resort Snow Depths

Grand Hirafu & Niseko Hanazono
Top - 490cm
Bottom - 245cm

Niseko Annupuri
Top - 400cm
Bottom - 250cm

Niseko Village
Top - 460cm
Bottom - 240cm

Avalanche Information:

Niseko base 6am: -10C, 5cm of new snow. Weather sunny and calm. Moiwa 800m: -12C, 10cm new snow, minimal snowdrift development. Wind calm. Coastal data: wind SSE14/s, 0.5m waves, pressure 1016hPa. Annupuri peak: -14.5C. Wind is expected to pick up by 12pm, WSW 10m/s at 1500m.

All peak gates are expected to open at 10am. Do not traverse under cornices or stimulate knolls. On slopes above 1100m there is possibility of fracture from March 1st layer. Have you switched your beacon on? Are you carrying shovel? Probe? Headlamp? If not, avoid the valley bottoms. It is recommended you ski in the trees.

The snow is in great condition. Be careful of cracks and avoid hitting trees. Have a safe day.