Niseko Now: Tuesday 17th March 2020
- Mar 17, 2020
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 10cm
Snowfall at base this season 711cm
Posted on Tuesday 17th March 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
I have a layer of snowfall to report to you this morning.
Fine weather yesterday, 10cm of snowfall overnight at base and more blue sky and sun this morning.
The top Jumbo lift at Annupuri is on hold at the start of the day due to wind. (Others may follow...)
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I realise that most of you will be reading this from places outside of Japan.
With the world headlines news getting more alarming by the day, ski resorts here in Niseko remain open.
I must admit, it does feel rather strange writing the reports at this particular moment in time, but I will continue documenting the season and posting until those lifts close.
I just wanted to say... stay safe and healthy.
I am looking forward to us all getting over to the other side of the mountain, so to speak.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Mountain Base 6am: -5°, 10cm of new snow from midnight. Moiwa 800m:NW 319deg 5.0m/s, -5.7°, 20cm snowdrift development. Annupuri 1100m: W 271deg 9.8m/s, no temp data. Yu no Sawa 1000m:WSW 248deg 3.2m/s, -6.0°. Niseko Village 900m: W 272deg 3.3m/s, -7.4°. Hirafu 1000m : no wind data, -8.1°. Hanazono 720m:NE 43deg 2.3m/s, -4.9°. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: NW 14m/s. Kamui Cape: WSW 13m/s, 1010hPa, wave 1.5m.
A strong westerly wind blew above 1000m overnight with wind blown snow collecting on leeward slopes, and about 10cm new snowfall. From observation and data the general avalanche risk is low. However the slopes are not completely reset and you will still be hitting the rough bottom. All gates are expected to be open. Helmets and beacons are strongly recommended. Although it is the middle of March the mountain is back to winter. There is always risks present in out of bounds areas. Be cautious to avoid accidents.
This report is compiled from data collected from ski patrol and groomer operators at the 5 Niseko ski areas. The data and report is not produced for research purposes, it is for the safety of all skiers and snowboarders. The report is complied by riders for riders and takes into consideration the safety of the many different riders, at all levels, on the mountain. Watch out for a sudden change in weather. Have a good day.
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Niseko Grand Hirafu
Official snow depth (reported by resort):
- Peak: 330cm
- Base: 110cm
All lifts are normally operating EXCEPT:
- Ace Number 1 pair lift (normally rested)
- King Number 2 quad lift (normally rested)
Lifts scheduled for late operations:
- Ace Family quad until 8:30pm
- Ace Number 2 Center Four quad until 8:20pm
- Hirafu Gondola until 8:10pm
- Holiday Number 1 pair until 8:30pm
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Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Official snow depth (reported by resort):
- Peak: 225cm
- Base: 120cm
All lifts are normally operating
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Niseko Annupuri
Official snow depth (reported by resort):
- Peak: 185cm
- Base: 110cm
All lifts are normally operating
Lift scheduled for late operations:
- Jumbo Number 1 quad until 8:30pm
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Niseko Village
Official snow depth (reported by resort):
- Peak: 190cm
- Base: 100cm
All lifts normally operating EXCEPT:
- Village Express
- Country Road Chair (normally rested)
Lifts scheduled for late operations:
- Annupuri Village Gondola until 8:00pm
- Village Express until 8:00pm
- Banzai Chair until 8:00pm
Niseko Now 2019-2020 season |
Data as of Tuesday 17th March 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 711cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 79 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 33cm (21st January) November 2019 snowfall 85cm reported on 10 days December 2019 snowfall 207cm reported on 21 days January 2020 snowfall 224cm reported on 20 days February 2020 snowfall 143cm reported on 19 days March 2020 snowfall 52cm reported on 9 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.