Niseko Now: Tuesday 18th February 2014
- Feb 18, 2014
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 10cm
Snowfall at base this season 986cm
Posted on Tuesday 18th February 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
It's a similar story of strong winds this morning in Niseko. I don't have the updates in yet but I would expect similarly disrupted lift services on the mountain today, with the top lifts probably not moving. And like yesterday, very likely some long queues forming for the popular lifts and areas that remain open - perhaps another day to try out some of the less busy areas?
About 10-15cm of snow outside my place this morning, with the report below recording 30cm in places. Wind has been blowing it all about.
It's cloudy at the moment and is that even some sunlight trying to bust through the cloud in places (?), but snow is likely to continue on and off for the day says the forecast. It should keep cold, with similar conditions expected tomorrow. Less wind please, if possible.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Niseko base 6am: -7C, 30cm new snow in the last 12hrs, snowdrift development. Moiwa 800m: -9C, wind and snow from West, major snowdrift development. Annupuri 1000m: -9C, wind W15m/s, heavy snow, snowdrift development. Hirafu 1000m: -8C, snowdrift development. Annupuri peak 1308m: -13.3C, wind NW16.8m/s. Cape Benkei: N17m/s, Cape Kamui: NNE8m/s, wave 4.0m, pressure 1014hPa.
We are continuing to be effected by winter weather pattern bringing blizzard conditions here and at the sea with rapid snowdrift development all over the mountain. The avalanche risk is HIGH on steep slopes regardless of elevation or orientation. Beware snowdrifts have hidden cracks and newly formed cornices are unstable. All peak gates will be closed, please follow the patrols advice. The snow in the trees is heavy and deep today due to the high winds. Take care not to get stuck in the bottom of a gully or fall in deep snow and suffocate. Best not to venture too far today.
Do not duck ropes to ride fresh lines. From snowpack analysis there is high possibility that strictly off limits area HarunoTaki will have a large scale avalanche. Snow conditions change everyday. After the storm breaks the snowpack will stabilise over time. Avalanches are a natural phenomenon and are only an accident if people are involved. Dont overestimate your knowledge and equipment. Have a safe day.
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Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing:
Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 380cm
Base - 180cm
Niseko Village:
Top - 360cm
Base - 215cm
Annupuri:
Top - 310cm
Base - 210cm
Niseko Now 2013-2014 season |
Data as of Tuesday 18th February 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 986cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 74 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 127cm reported on 14 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.