Niseko Now: Friday 20th February 2015
- Feb 20, 2015
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 0cm
Snowfall at base this season 957cm
Posted on Friday 20th February 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Morning from Hirafu. A mix of weather going on this morning. Cloud, trying to snow (and actually snowing lightly higher up I am told), but the sun managing to appear as well in places. Over towards Mt Yotei, that mountain is looking rather handsome as well (but doesn't it always).
I reckon it's going to clear up and be blue skies and sunny by late morning.
Light wind here at base but resorts are reporting more up there at upper elevations. All resorts opening as normal this morning and it would appear the gates will be open too. Have fun and take care.
When's our fresh snow coming!? Mild conditions probably lasting over the weekend, there may even be some rain on Sunday, but we should see snow back falling from the skies and a dip in temperatures again early week. Phew!
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Niseko base 6am: -5C, no new snowfall. Moiwa 800m: N8m/s, -8C, trace new snow. Hirafu 1000m: snowpack 320cm, NNW10m/s, -8C, trace new snow. Annupuri peak 1308m: N15.1m/s, -9.6C. Cape Benkei: E6m/s, Cape Kamui: E2m/s, 1022hPa, wave 1.3m.
At upper elevations the wind has picked up and there has been some snowdrift development above 800m. The 20th Feb layer will be notable in the future snowpack. The general avalanche risk is low. All gates are expected to be open.
During an average winter full depth avalanches are expected in Osawa, Kozan no sawa during early April, however due to this year's warm winter there is the possibility of them earlier – from late February to early March. Cracks and other evidence of the snowpack shifting are indications of possible deep avalanches. These avalanches release without warning from the heavily loaded ridge lines are devastating to the forest and anyone caught below. Steep south facing valleys around 1100m are the usual dangers zones , but these avalanches are difficult to predict. They can happen at an time of day, regardless of temperature and often occur with no visible signs such as cracks. We need to be especially careful due to the unusual snow fall pattern this year. This type of avalanche is like an angry giant smashing everything in its path. Always be aware, avoid the valley bottoms and don’t put yourselves in dangerous place. Please listen to the patrols advice before passing through the gates.
Niseko Now 2014-2015 season |
Data as of Friday 20th February 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 957cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 66 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th & 26th December and 11th February) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 151cm 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.