20 cm of fresh snow has accumulated in Niseko in the 12 hours to 7am.
Conditions at Hirafu midway station (820m)
Snowfall estimated: 30 cm
Temperature: -15 °C
Wind: WSW 9 m/s
Conditions observed in Niseko Town (139m)
Snowfall observed: 20 cm
Temperature: -13 °C
Wind: WSW 2 m/s
The wind calmed down in the late evening. It was very stormy yesterday afternoon. I stayed inside my home all day yesterday.
I might go to Grand Hirafu early morning today as Center 4 lift was closed yesterday late afternoon. I hope strong wind didn’t blow all snow away. Snow condition is not equal after the storm, sometimes snow is heavy, sometimes icy as all new snow is blown away. Please ride slower and carefully today. Lift operation might be delay due to snow clearance. Please check the latest lift status before you go. Don’t try to go out of the resort today, avalanche risk is very high.
This massive low pressure is still covering Hokkaido. Wind will get stronger again tomorrow.
– Maiko :)