2025.02.12 Wednesday

Moiwa Mountain base -7℃, light wind, 10cm new snow, good visibility. Moiwa 800m: -6.8℃, NW3.4m/s, 50cm cornice and slab development. Mikaeri 750m: -8℃, WSW2.3m/s, increasing snow depth, good visibility. Annupuri 1100m: -8.7℃, WNW10.7m/s, 30cm new snow, strong W wind from 5am. Hirafu Hanazono 1000m: -8.0℃,  NNE4.7m/s, 30cm new snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape NW15m/s, Kamui Cape SW16m/s, 1014hPa, wave 1.7m. 

The mountain base is calm; however, a 20m/s westerly wind picked up from 5 am, rapidly forming cornices and slabs on W slopes over 1100m. Cornices and slabs are developing steadily on slopes under 1000m with light wind from yesterday afternoon. From tests, the avalanche risk is low under 1000m slopes; however, the risk is high on slopes over 1200m elevation and SE slopes where cornices and wind-drift slabs have developed rapidly due to the strong wind. Be careful on high mountains such as Mt. Yotei. From observation, the chances of triggering an avalanche by collapsing cornice are small; however, do not stay on or under the cornices. Cornice is as heavy as a tourist bus and collapses instantly at times.

The gates opening is undecided. Please listen to the ski patrols' instructions. Snow is good again today. Groomers are good, too. As always, please respect the Niseko Rules. Do not duck ropes. Do not go into the mountain alone. Snow started at 7 am again. Beware of poor visibility and sudden change of weather.

Quote: Niseko Avalanche Information