Well it's another clear one out there. Unfortunately we didn't have any new snowfall. As I mentioned last night, yesterday we saw some warm temps and sun. Overall, it was a pretty fun day and a good one to see the Niseko area - lots of people taking photos from the peak of the mountain. Let's keep those fingers crossed for some snow.

The freeze-thaw has made the backcountry extremely variable. It will be fairly safe, but the snow conditions will not be ideal. To get out and look around is fine, but I wouldn't go expecting to find fresh waist deep powder. It's a great day to see though. The visibility looks like it will be great once again.

The forecast hasn't really changed. A couple more days of warm and partly cloudy with some possible snow on Tuesday. Keeping our eyes on that! I hope everyone has a great day.

Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 410cm
Bottom - 200cm

Niseko Village:
Top - 450cm
Bottom - 190cm

Annupuri:
Top - 480cm
Bottom - 220cm

Niseko Avalanche Report:

Niseko base 6am: No new snowfall and blue bird sky, -7C. Coastal data: SE2m/s at Benkei cape, 0.2m waves and 1020hPa, Annpuri peak: NE1.5m/s, -11.5C. Annupuri 1000m: 480cm snowdepth.
Snowfall transition: Cold air is flowing in as a high-pressure system is overlaying Hokkaido. The atmospheric pressure gradient is small and the mountain is in a calm weather. The snow condition on top of the crusty March 6th layer depends on the slope's orientation and altitude. The snow above 1000m is re-crystallized dry snow. The temperature remains low and the spring melting is delayed.
Hazard evaluation: The general avalanche risk is low. Beware of collapsing cornices and full depth avalanches in 1200m leeward slopes as the temperature raise. Snowdrifts depth has reached up to 10m depth in certain terrains. Stay away from valley bottoms where avalanches run through. New snow is non-existent, however the piste and off-piste conditions are good. Better not blindly follow other people from the peak. Goshiki onsen is completely away from the resorts and there are no buses that go there. Some slopes are completely frozen, beware of slip-drops. Avalanches from Mar 6th layer are still to be considered in steep slopes as the temperature rises during the day. Refrain from dropping in all at the same time.
Gates: Peak gates are scheduled to open at 9:30am. Ask for the ski patrol's advice before stepping out of the gates. The whole area outside the gates is not within the resorts. Everyone stepping out of the gates must be conscious of the risk they are taking. Have a nice day.