Hakuba Now: Saturday 23rd February 2013
- Feb 23, 2013
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Hakuba region of Nagano
New snowfall at base 20cm
Snowfall at base this season 502cm
Weather overview Cloud, variable
Wind Light
Temperature -
Visibility Good
Posted on Saturday 23rd February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here.
Well I said we were expecting more snow overnight and we sure got it. Yesterday was mostly cloudy and as evening approached the clouds came down lower and it was snowing.
The headline this morning belongs to Hakuba Cortina again with their up to 50cm of snow since yesterday. This morning Hakuba 47 is claiming up to 40cm of fresh snowfall on upper slopes and 20-30cm around base. Here in the village I'd put the number on around 20cm, perhaps more. Another of those days when it should just be really good and deep everywhere.
Right now it is approx. -5 degrees C in the village and there's a light north easterly wind. Stronger winds higher up on the mountain with Usagidaira reporting a wind speed of around 7m/s. It's -9C up there now.
Happo seems to be affected by upper mountain winds about Usagidaira this morning with the Gondola and top areas of the resort not opening up as yet. No particular details of other delays or non openings this morning but there's a chance of wind affected operations. For the latest check their official sites.
There's lots of cloud around still but it almost feels like it's going to clear up and some blue sky up there amongst all the remaining cloud. The sun is making some brief sneaky appearances as well. The forecast has us down for snow showers today and through tomorrow though. Perhaps we could be in for a surprise clear-up.
The new heavy snowfall brings with it increased avalanche risks. This recent heavy snowfall has put rapid load on the already weak upper snowpack. With the potential dangers this brings, it is highly advisable to stay out of unsupported backcountry and side country areas today as well as away from steep convex slopes. Staying out of the Alpine zone all together is highly recommended. There's tons of powder on the supported slopes and more than enough fun for everyone.
Looks like nighta at Happo today has changed times. Going to be 6pm to 9pm as the resort will be out grooming between 5pm and 6pm for some nice nighta coudroy conditions.
Once we get to Monday the skies will probably begin to clear and then it looks like we might see a run of a few days of clearer possibly sunny weather. Maybe a few bluebirds in there. Going to warm up a bit too.
For now though, lots of fresh snow to enjoy. Going to be lots of people out there.
Take care and have fun.
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Official snow depths and operations @ Saturday 23rd February 2013 AM:
Hakuba Goryu:
Official snow depths:
Alps daira - 315cm;
Toomi - 150cm;
Iimori - 130cm
Hakuba 47:
20-30cm at base, 40cm up top new snowfall reported by Hakuba 47.
Official snow depth:
Upper - 290cm
Lower - 190cm
Happo-one:
Official snow depth:
Usagidaira - 300cm
Nakiyama/Shirakaba - 160cm
Sakka - 160cm
Tsugaike Kogen:
Official snow depth:
Upper slopes - 370cm
Lower slopes - 170cm
Hakuba Cortina:
40-50cm of new snow reported by Hakuba Cortina since yesterday.
Official snow depth:
Upper slopes - 440cm
Lower slopes - 295cm
Hakuba Iwatake:
Official snow depth:
Upper slopes - 210cm
Lower slopes - 85cm
Hakuba Sanosaka:
Official snow depth:
170cm
Hakuba Minekata:
160cm
Hakuba Now 2012-2013 season |
Data as of Saturday 23rd February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 502cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 54 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (9th and 10th December, 25th January) November 2012 snowfall 47cm reported on 4 days December 2012 snowfall 185cm reported on 19 days January 2013 snowfall 149cm reported on 14 days February 2013 snowfall 121cm reported on 17 days |
All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Hakuba. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report.