15 cm of fresh snow has accumulated in Niseko in the 12 hours to 7am.
Conditions at Hirafu midway station (820m)
Snowfall estimated: 20 cm
Temperature: -9 °C
Wind: WNW 7.5 m/s
Conditions observed in Niseko Town (139m)
Snowfall observed: 15 cm
Temperature: -3 °C
Wind: W 3 m/s
It’s been snowing since yesterday afternoon. I had great start of 2019 yesterday. It was hard choice as all gates were opened including top gates. As the visibility wasn’t clear, I decided to go gate 11 “Mizuno no sawa” in Niseko Village. It’s the only one place in Niseko that is controlled avalanche risk by using dynamite. I always carry my Avalanche backpack and transceiver is on. Snow was incredibly deep and fresh.
I hope all track from yesterday is reset this morning. It’s a hard decision again where to go, because snow is great everywhere!! I might go to Moiwa as it’s less crowded. Moiwa is a small resort but it has many side country accesses. I will check Niseko avalanche report and go adventure!
Snow might fall all day today and stopped tomorrow. Have a lovely powder day!
– Maiko :)