Good morning from Niseko, it's a bit cloudy out there now. It's supposed to be very warm today and yesterday's high pressure may be sticking around. We're looking at a high of 5 degrees which may well ruin the north facing snow as well unless really high up. The good thing is we are supposed to get some snow Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday on top of it so we can hopefully look forward to that.

I just want to reiterate how important it is to take caution with any new snowfall on this layer. The melt-freeze that will happen with the warm temps today will create a bad bonding layer for new snow. All steeper slopes will have a hard time to hold the new snow and a skier will be just the trigger for it to go. Luckily we are not looking at a massive slide, but just something to be aware of.

Yesterday brought us some pretty nice sun and great visiblity. It was a bit hot and the south facing snow was thoroughly melted. Nonetheless, it was a fun spring day and a lot of people were out there enjoying it.

Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 400cm
Bottom - 200cm

Niseko Village:
Top - 450cm
Bottom - 190cm

Annupuri:
Top - 480cm
Bottom - 200cm

Niseko Avalanche Report:

Niseko base 6am: -2C, no snowfall and no new development of snowdrifts. Coastal data: SSE6m/s at Benkei cape, 1.3m waves and 1014hPa at Kamui cape. Annupuri & Moiwa peak data not available. 480cm snowdepth at 1000m Annupuri.
Snowfall transition: A high-pressure area within a larger low-pressure band is producing a calm climate this morning. No snowdrifts development can be observed above 800m elevation, however a southerly wind is forecasted to pick as the next low-pressure system approaches. Hazard evaluation: The general avalanche risk is low. However a thin surface avalanche due to large temperature change is to be expected in the following areas: Backbowl, Osawa and Higashione steeps.
Moreover, slab avalanches from March 15th layer are also to be expected in other untracked slopes. Cornices have grown big in leeward sides of the ridges. Always keep in mind that these could collapse at anytime. Better not rest on top of a cornice.
Pay attention to the pictures posted at the gates, extremely devastating climax (ground) avalanches occur in Niseko in spring. Do not spend unnecessary time in gullies and valley bottoms.
Gates: Peak gates will open at 9:30am, however may close as the weather comes in.
Please respect the ski patrol's decisions. Stay cautious, better not overestimate one's skills.