Now this is the kind of morning that I like to report on!

Conditions yesterday were really great with lots of fresh snow on the mountain, surprising even given the relatively small amount that I had to report from base. I did mention in the report yesterday how much more was being reported from up there - and so it was.

What's more, there's ots and lots of lovely fresh snow this morning to help celebrate the national holiday. There's some uncharacteristically whopping great big increases to the official snow depth numbers at Niseko Grand Hirafu as well this morning, going from 400cm to 460cm up top and the base seeing a similarly large increase.

There's a good 45cm of fresh snow outside my place this morning and snow is continuing to fall and should be for most of the day.

What's more, wind isn't messing with us today and fingers crossed it won't be an issue over the coming days. (Thank you.)

Anyway. What a fine, fine day today should be.

With more snow (at least at times) over the next few days and into the weekend, I'd say we're probably back to what we expect!

:)

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Resort specific news as of 8:30am - subject to change during the day

Niseko Grand Hirafu:
Looks set to be open as planned this morning.

Niseko Hanazono:
Looks set to be open as planned this morning.

Niseko Village:
Looks set to be open as planned this morning.

Niseko Annupuri:
Looks set to be open as planned this morning.
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Niseko Avalanche Report

Niseko base 6am: -6C, 30cm of snowfall in 12 hours. Moiwa 800m:-10C, SW10m/s, 40cm snowfall. Annupuri 1000m :-10C, snowpack 310cm. Annupuri 1150m: SW10m/s, 50cm snowfall. Hirafu 1000m:-12C, W10m/s, 50-60cm snowfall. Coastal data: Benkei cape W7m/s, Kamui cape WSW9m/s, 1007hPa, 2.2m waves.

The current strong cold air mass has generated heavy snowfall. Average 12m/s westerly wind is making snowdrifts develop up to 120cm in leeward slopes. The snowpack is stabilizing, however is still likely to fail in knoll terrains. The cornices have grown massively and are extremely unstable. The weather will turn better and the gates are scheduled to open from the lower altitude. Peak gates 2 & 3 are still undecided. Please respect the ski patrol’s decision. The avalanche risk will remain high in Higashi-One, Osawa & Backbowl cornice slopes. The sun will affect the surface and turn the whole slope into a giant slab in Haru no Taki strictly off-limits areas. Chances of a massive slide, up to 120cm crown, are present in there. The current condition is similar to that of the 1998 accident. A slight stimulation to the upper section of the slope could trigger a large slab to let go.

Better not overestimate your experience and skills, and never make light of the Rules. Winter mountains are hazardous, but accidents can be avoided with precautions. Cracks are hidden under new snow, always be alert and prudent. Have you switched your beacon on? Have a nice day.

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Official resort snow depths:

Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 460cm
Base - 180cm

Niseko Village:
Top - 300cm
Base - 190cm

Niseko Annupuri:
Top - 320cm
Base - 180cm

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Lifts open for night skiing (planned):

Niseko Grand Hirafu
Ace Family Pair lift, Ace Number 2 Center Four lift, Hirafu Gondola, Holiday Number 1 Pair lift

Niseko Hanazono Resort
No night skiing at the Hanazono area

Niseko Village
Community Chair and Banzai Chair

Niseko Annupuri
Jumbo Number 1 Quad

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Niseko Grand Hirafu 6 day weather and snow forecast