Niseko Now: Sunday 17th February 2013
- Feb 17, 2013
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 20cm
Snowfall at base this season 1171cm
Weather overview Cloud, snow
Wind
Varied
Temperature -8C base / -14C top
Visibility Variable
Posted at 8:45am on Sunday 17th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Yesterday was a bit of a wild day, and while the wind hasn't exactly gone and it is still snowing, it is a somewhat calmer start to the day. If the local forecast is correct conditions may well clear up as the day progresses.
It's a colder start to the day than yesterday and right now around -7 degrees. We have perhaps 20-25cm of new snow to report from the village area and likely more on the mountain, but again with the conditions yesterday blowing it all around it's difficult to put a number on it. A good new layer though.
With these new layers though come increased risk of avalanche, so do take note of the report below and take care out there on the mountain.
Winds of up to 16m/s recorded on Annupuri and Niseko Village areas earlier on, but as of 8:45am it looks like the lifts around the mountain will be operating as normal today.
Conditions may well clear up today but generally snowy conditions are likely to continue through the coming week in Niseko.
Avalanche Information
Niseko base 6am: -8C, 30cm of broken particle snow. Moiwa 800m: 30cm of new snow with development of snowdrifts, -12C. Annupuri peak: NW13.1m, -16.5C. Coastal data: NW12m/s, 2.2m waves and 1019hPa.
The winter pressure pattern is persisting and a northwesterly snowstorm continues above 800m. Heavy snowfall. The stabilization is progressing from the base of the new snowdrifts, however the snowpack is still unstable, easily collapsible. Potential sliding thickness up to 80cm in 800m leeward knolls and 120cm in 1100m. According to the snowfall transition and other data evaluation, the avalanche hazard is high in leeward slopes and knolls above treeline. High risk of large surface slab avalanche in Osawa cornice slope, Kozannosawa (Backbowl), Mikaeri bowl and Higashione until the afternoon today.
Gates 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 will be closed. Do not duck ropes. One track left under the rope will lead many others to do the same and increase the chances of accidents. The weather is forecasted to calm down in the afternoon but the risk will remain high for a while. Stick within the resort today. The snow is typical storm snow, little heavy but good. Beware of cracks and trees. Do not overestimate your gear's performance and your own experience. Be safe, have fun and have a nice day.
Niseko Now 2012-2013 season |
Data as of Sunday 17th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1171cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 77 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 443cm reported on 26 days February 2013 snowfall 192cm reported on 13 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.