Niseko Now: Tuesday 12th February 2019
- Feb 12, 2019
- 4 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 17cm
Snowfall at base this season 849cm
Posted on Tuesday 12th February 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
The consistent snowfall continues. This morning I have measured 17cm of snow down here close by Hirafu so we can expect 20+cm on the slopes. Another nice overnight reset, just what we want. And yes it does look like the snow should be continuing over the next few days as well as the very cold conditions.
I really hope all this consistent snow isn't getting boring. ;)
We're past the busiest Chinese New Year holiday period now, so... what's next. Valentines Day! I'm kidding (sort of). Though there may well be some free chocolate on Thursday to celebrate this most traditional of Japanese traditions. Just as long as it's from the heart, and not 'giri-choco'.
But seriously: we're now almost in the middle of February, which means that we are now slap bang in the middle of the snow season and I am half way through my commentary of the season. It has been a pleasing and mostly drama-free first half. Let's try to not forget how lucky we are to be able to enjoy all of this. And here's to a similar second half...
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Niseko Avalanche Report:
Mountain Base 6.00am: -8°, 20cm snowfall in the last 12hrs, calm. Moiwa 800m: -11.5°, W6.2m/s. Mikaeri Weather Station: 15cm new snow, minor snowdrift development. Annupuri 1120m: snow depth 240cm. Hirafu Peak: -16°, snowfall 20cm in last 12hrs. Mizuno no Sawa: -13.01°, NW3.8-5.6m/s, 11cm snowfall in last 12hrs, mountain base: snow depth 180cm. Cape Benkei: NNW12m/s, Cape Kamui: WNW9m/s, pressure 1022hPa, wave 1.3m.
10-20cm new snow until early morning with no significant snowdrift development. Snow quality is varying dependant on elevation. Snow pack is not showing any obvious inconsistent layers and general avalanche risk is low. Above 1100m a weak slab 30-40cm has formed from the NW wind and there is the possibility of fracture from rider stimulation. Be careful on leeward steep slopes. Do not wait halfway down or in the valley bottoms. Avoid traversing under knolls and cornices. All gates are expected to be open. Be aware of a sudden weather change.
Parents or guardians taking children into out of bounds areas carry a heavy responsibility. Children (or beginners) cannot bear this responsibility. There are many dangers lurking in the winter mountains. Playing around cornices and other dangerous features can end in a very serious accident. Always act with safety in mind. Snow is good today. New cornice growth is easily collapsing, be careful.
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Ski resort operation information: Tuesday 12th February 2019
Subject to change due to weather conditions
Niseko Grand Hirafu
Official snow depth (reported by resort):
- Peak: 375cm
- Base: 175cm
Ski lifts operating:
- All lifts planning to be operating as normal at the start of the day
- The Ace Family quad (until 8:30pm), Ace Center 4 quad (8:20pm), Hirafu Gondola (until 8:10pm) and Holiday Number 1 pair (until 8:30pm) lifts are normally open during the evening
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Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Official snow depth (reported by resort):
- Peak: 273cm
- Base: 240cm
Ski lifts operating:
- All lifts planning to be operating as normal at the start of the day
- The Hanazono lifts are normally open until 3:50pm (Number 3 until 3:30pm)
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Niseko Annupuri
Official snow depth (reported by resort):
- Peak: 320cm
- Base: 170cm
Ski lifts operating:
- All lifts planning to be operating as normal at the start of the day
- The Jumbo 1 lift is normally open until 8:30pm during the evening
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Niseko Village
Official snow depth (reported by resort):
- Peak: 320cm
- Base: 170cm
Ski lifts operating:
- All lifts planning to be operating as normal at the start of the day
- The Upper Village Gondola, Village Express and Banzai Chair lifts are normally open until 8:00pm during the evening
Niseko Now 2018-2019 season |
Data as of Tuesday 12th February 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 849cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 71 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (29th December) November 2018 snowfall 84cm reported on 8 days December 2018 snowfall 333cm reported on 26 days January 2019 snowfall 285cm reported on 25 days February 2019 snowfall 147cm reported on 12 days |
All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. 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.