Real Winter conditions in Hakuba yesterday with deep powder in the morning and snow falling most of the day. Strong winds were filling in tracks while riding the lift which made for plenty of fresh lines. Beside the wind it was one of the best days so far this season.
A little bit of snow fell through last night but not enough to produce much accumulation this morning. Not snowing in the village now which is currently at a temperature of -2 degrees C but clouds are hovering fairly low and Goryu as at 8:15 was reporting -9 degree C temps on top with snow falling. Blue skies poking through on the East side of the valley but snow flurries forecast today and through the weekend. Some strong winds today as well which could mean some limited gondola service and lift access on higher slopes.
Base depth hasn’t increased significantly since Tuesday’s snowfall due to wind and settlement. .
Backcountry Travel Advisory:
High amounts of steady wind and snow Tuesday night has increased the likelihood of natural and skier triggered avalanches. Wind transport of snow (cornices and snow drifts) is present and frequent in both south and north faces. Be aware that even on-resort terrain might be prone to avalanches on steeper and open lee-ward faces. Expect sluffing on steeper terrain and avoid passing under chutes/avalanche paths.
Avalanche Hazard:
Alpine: High
Tree line: Considerable
Below Tree Line: Moderate
See Below for International Danger scale classifications or click on the Canadian Avalanche Association web page for the International Danger Scale.
TEMPERATURE IN THE VILLAGE:
-2 degrees C.
TEMPERATURE AT TOP OF MOUNTAIN:
-7 degrees C.
WIND:
Changeable Westerlies.
VISIBILITY:
Changeable
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Happo-One:
BASE DEPTH: 110 cm(at the base); 270 cm(at 1500m)
Goryu/47:
BASE DEPTH:110 cm(at the base); 305 cm(at 1500m)
Tsugaike Kogen:
BASE DEPTH: 185 cm(at the base); 280 cm(at 1500m)
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LIFT OPERATION:
Goryu Toomi, Hakuba 47, Happo-One, Tsugaike Kogen, Iwatake, Cortina, Sanosaka, Sun Alpina, Minekata, Hakuba Highland, Yanaba, all open but with limited gondola and lift service due to wind.