Sorry for the late report. It got pretty warm today with lots of sun. Spring has felt like it sprung. Perhaps we can hope for more snow! There has been pretty stable warm weather. Yesterday saw a bit of snow but really calm and docile weather otherwise. We have seen a significant drop in winds as compared to the past month. March has been known to bring snow as well, so don't give up hope yet. Yes the past few days have done a bit of bad to the snow, but we could easily get a meter storm on top of it.

With that said, backcountry travel is not bad at the moment. Most aspects are pretty safe. The only major concern is areas in the N facing that haven't quite consolidated yet. It's great visiblity so it would be nice to get around and see what Hokkaido is all about. Yotei isn't a bad idea either.

The forecast is still a bit unknown. Local weather is saying it could bring some precipitation on Tuesday. It should be snow by the way the temps line up. It really depends which system is going to overpower the other. Right now the southern flow from Korea is winning the wrestling match. We want our Siberian air to win! Cheer them on and hope for the snow!

Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 405cm
Bottom - 200cm

Niseko Village:
Top - 450cm
Bottom - 200cm

Annupuri:
Top - 475cm
Bottom - 220cm

Niseko Avalanche Report:

Niseko base 6am: -5C, no snowdrifts development and blue bird sky. Coastal data: SE2m/s at Benkei cape, 0.2m waves and 1021hPa at Kamui cape. Annupuri peak: SW3.0m/s -11.2C. Moiwa peak: -8C, no development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1000m: 470cm snow depth.
Snowfall transition: Atmospheric pressure gradient is small. The wind remains under 10m/s SW below 1500m altitude. A cold air mass is flowing in and is making the surface of SE facing slopes under 1000m freeze.
Hazard evaluation: The general avalanche risk is low. However, surface slab avy due to braking crust layer is to be highly considered in steep slopes such as 1100m Backbowl sidewalls (E6) and Higashione sornice slopes (H8). Better not overestimate your own skills; be cautious and be safe. Cornices have grown huge and could collapse at anytime; better stay away. The snow will remain hard until the temperature rises. The course condition is good.
Gates: Peak gates are scheduled to open at 9:30am.
Caution: Do not seek fresh tracks in strictly off-limits areas. Ducking ropes is strictly prohibited in Niseko and those who do will be severely punished. Always use the gates to access the out of bounds areas. We strongly suggest staying away from valley bottoms where avalanches run through.