Good morning and there's not too much to add today. It snowed a tiny bit last night, but the warm temps yesterday made things a bit tricky... borderline rain. It got warm almost to all elevations in the area. Yotei is likely to have escaped with some good snow still and some of the higher points in the Niseko backbowls. For everywhere else the snow was turned to slush rather quickly.

Backcountry travel is about the same as yesterday but you will have to go very high up to avoid the mashed potatoes snow. Definitely make sure to look out for cornices and wet slides.

We are hoping to get a bit of snowfall today. It seems almost cold enough at the moment and a change to possibly colder temps throughout the day with a low pressure holding strong. Clearer skies are forecast for tomorrow and Friday. The coming weekend is looking likely to bring some decent snowfall potential as well. I am hoping for the best and waiting patiently - most of us refuse to let go of winter so soon!

Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 405cm
Bottom - 210cm

Niseko Village:
Top - 450cm
Bottom - 200cm

Annupuri:
Top - 470cm
Bottom - 220cm

Niseko Avalanche Report:

Niseko base 6am: +3C, 5cm of wet snow in the past 12 hours. Coastal data: SSE 4m/s at Benkei cape, 0.6m waves and 999hPa at Kamui cape. Annupuri peak: WSW 4.7m/s, -6.1C. Moiwa peak: calm wind, 10cm of wet snow, -2C and no new development of snowdrifts.
Snowfall transition: wind remains calm due to two low pressure systems located on each side of Hokkaido. Snowdrift development is small, warm air is flowing in. New snow is forming a thin slab on top of March 5th layer. Up to 15-20cm at 800m, 25cm at 1000m leeward slopes.
Hazard evaluation : Although the snowfall amount is small notable slabs are forming due to high temperature. These slabs sits unstably on top of March 5th layer and can slide easily in 40°slopes. Beware of 40cm slides of heavy snow in cornice and snowdrift areas of E6F5Backbowl, Osawa, H8Higashione. Avalanche from deeper hoar layers is also to be considered in north and northwest facing slopes around 1000m altitude. Be careful when traversing such slopes. Do not remain in valley bottoms in order to avoid worst cases. The snow in the trees is sticky but not bad conditions. Carefully remain in controllable speed.
Gates: peak gates will be closed during the morning. Please respect the ski patrol decision. Visibility is low.