Last night we got a lot of snow. This is the first good snowfall we have seen in about a week or so and the snow is still coming down. Just look at the official number for the top of Hirafu.. up by 45cm! Don't read much into that though as the updates aren't perhaps as regular as we would like - 20-25cm is more like it. Today should be amazing, but I doubt the backbowls will open. The resort should be great today, albeit a little crowded.

It's looking like more snow is going to hit us as this low pressure sits over Hokkaido. I don't know why you are still reading and haven't jolted to the door with your skis yet - although of course lots of you will no doubt be reading this from afar. Needless to say, it's going to be a good one out there and tracks should be filled in overnight tomorrow as well.

Be safe if you are going into the backcountry. Conditions are not ideal for safety and slides are a very real possibility. The snow hasn't had time to consolidate and bond yet.

Current Official Snow Depths:

Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 380cm
Bottom - 200cm

Niseko Village:
Top - 340cm
Bottom - 210cm

Annupuri:
Top - 360cm
Bottom - 210cm

Niseko Avalanche Report:

Niseko base 6am: -8℃, 25cm crystal snow in the past 12hours.
Coastal data: WNW 14m/s at Benkei cape on Japan sea.
Annupuri peak 1308m: WSW4.7m/s, -17.6℃.
Snowfall transition: Looking at the past 12 hours weather transition, a 40cm thick soft slab of wind-drifted snow is developing in leeward slopes with cornices (coordinate D4-D5, F4-E6, G7-H8).
Hazard evaluation: Surface slab avalanche hazard is high in the above-mentioned areas. Potential triggers are weak lines within the newly formed slab (Jan 24-25, 40cm thick) or crust/hoar layer at 60cm depth (Jan 22nd). The deeper snowpack is rounding and stable down to Jan 7th.
Caution: Avalanche risk is high in above-mentioned areas between 750m and 1200m altitude. It is strongly advised to avoid cornices and knolls and to choose ridgelines to come down. Skiing or resting at the valley bottoms is a very bad idea. If it slides anywhere above you, the chances to get buried are very high. The snow in the trees is in better condition. Have a safe day.
Gate opening: Peak gates are scheduled to open. Please respect the ski patrol’s decisions.