Snow Report March 17th.

3 degrees at 8:15 and currently 4.5 degrees in the shade at 860m. This morning saw low cloud in the valley and this is still hanging down to around 1500m so visibility on the top may be limited though there are some big patches of blue. No real winds to speak of. No precipitation and warm temperatures forecast through this week which will hammer the snow-banks in the valley which have shrunken in size over the last week.

Backcountry Travel Advisory:

Temperatures are mild and hovering >0 at 1500 m. Solar radiation will be moderate to strong on the south slopes today. The thing to keep an eye on are those heavy south faces that are waiting to come down with increased solar radiation, sharp temperature rises and or rain on the slopes. It is especially important to time traverses under South slopes early in the day or on days of cool temperatures. North Faces high in the alpine have not been receiving the same solar radiation and snow temps are still cool. Be careful of intense wind loading on the Northern aspects high in the Alpine from Wednesdays wind event at ridge top. Cornices are big and will come down with the heat.

Avalanche danger will increased with any intense warming or rain. Watch solar radiated slopes, around rocks and cornices as they warm through the day.

Avalanche Hazard:

Alpine: Moderate
Tree line: Moderate
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.

International Danger Scale

TEMPERATURE IN THE VILLAGE:

4.5 degrees C.

TEMPERATURE AT TOP OF MOUNTAIN:

1 degrees C.

WIND:

Calm.

VISIBILITY:

Limited at altitude, clear below 1500m.

*******************************************

Goryu/47:

BASE DEPTH:120 cm(at the base); 290 cm(at 1500m)

********************************************

LIFT OPERATION:

Goryu Toomi, Hakuba 47, Happo-One, Tsugaike Kogen, Iwatake, Cortina, Sanosaka, Sun Alpina, Minekata, Hakuba Highland, Yanaba, all open