2025.02.14 Friday

Mountain base: -6℃, moderate wind, 10cm snowfall, 30cm snowdrifts. Moiwa 800m: -8.7℃, NNW14.4m/s, 25m/s wind after 4am, cornices grew up to 150cm and the newly formed windload slabs (100cm) are not consolidated. Mikaeri 750m: -7℃, WNW5.5m/s, strong snowfall and snowpack is growing. Annupuri 1100m: WNW12m/s (intermittent 25m/s from 2am). Hirafu Hanazono: -10.9℃, ESE5.6m/s (25m/s northerly gusts from 4am). Coastal data: Benkei cape NNW18m/s, Kamui cape WNW15m/s, 1007hPa, 2.5m waves. 

The atmospheric pressure gradient is steep and stormy weather continues on the Sea and the Mountains. The wind is stronger than yesterday but the visibility is slightly better. Cornices and windrift snow has grown dramatically above 900m elevation. Evaluating the snowfall transition and the morning observations, the avalanche risk is extremely high in leeward slopes around 900m and above. Peak gates will be kept shut. The windload snow accumulated in the valleys has a bit of resistance, but is fun to ride. 35 degree grade slopes should be avoided until the wind drops below 12m/s and the slabs consolidate. Do not stimulate knolls and cornices. The weather up high is completely different from the base. The mountain is constantly challenging you to make the appropriate decision. This information is issued for preventing accidents in the resort accessed backcountry areas. Ropes aren’t meant to be crossed easily. Have a nice day.

Quote: Niseko Avalanche Information