Niseko Now: Friday 21st February 2014
- Feb 21, 2014
- 4 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 25cm
Snowfall at base this season 1022cm
Posted on Friday 21st February 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
I remember saying it would probably build up during the day in my report yesterday.
Well, this morning I do have a very nice delivery of snow to report. Over 25cm here outside my place, and a quick glance at the Avalanche report below shows some bigger numbers still on the mountain.
It's cloudy, it's snowing and it's around -5C. (Having said that, there is actually some sunlight shining down in places over the town area as I write this report). And there's not much wind either. Tol lifts and gates will all be open.
So there's lots of fresh snow about and very fine quality snow it is too - conditions should really be top notch this morning. There's lots of people already itching to get up there and waiting for the lifts to open. It's going to be another really great (and busy) day in Niseko!
Looking ahead after snow today and perhaps tomorrow, after that clearer conditions are currently on the forecast from Monday through into midweek.
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As regular readers will know, we sometimes take a look back at how much snow has fallen and compare with previous seasons. Just for the fun of it, nothing more than that. So let's take a look at the current situation.
As of 21st February 2014:
- 1022cm of snowfall in the Hirafu Village area (observed in our reports)
- 163cm for the month so far
As of 21st February 2013 (ie. last season):
- 1313cm of snowfall in the Hirafu Village area (observed in our reports)
- 334cm for the month so far
The Japan Meteorological Agency statistic for the whole of February in Kutchan town last season was 228cm, and 216cm the season before that. This February so far they have recorded 110cm (not including today).
Remember the JMA Kutchan readings are taken in Kutchan town, and our readings are observed in the Hirafu Village area - and it's generally thought that you can add another 50% or so to the number to get an idea of what might have fallen higher up on the mountain.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Niseko base 6am: -8C, 12 hours snowfall 50cm, light crystal snow. Moiwa 800m: -11℃, mild wind, 50cm of fresh, no snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -13C, 40cm. Hirafu 1000m: -12C, 20cm of fresh. Peak 1308m: NW8.9m/s, -14.1℃. Coastal data: Benkei cape WSW5m/s, Kamui capeNNW9m/s, 1.2m waves, 1017hPa.
Snowclouds generated by a small low-pressure is mostly covering the west side of the Niseko range, dumping 40-50cm of crystal snow. The snow is fluffy and light in the mild wind. Looking at the snowfall transition and observations, the avalanche hazard in regular terrain is moderate, however still considerable to high in typical avalanche terrain. Peak gates will open from the morning. Steep open slopes such as the Backbowl’s sidewalls remains very hazardous. Better not ride all the way down to the bottom from the Annupuri second bowl (F5-E4 of Niseko Rule’s map). Avalanches strike from above. Higashi-One cornice slopes are equally hazardous (H7-8). 50cm thick surface slab slides are to be highly considered in the strictly off-limits Haru-no-taki area. DO NOT enter these off-limits areas. Cracks are lurking underneath fresh snow, attentively observe the hubbles on the slopes. Falling in those cracks can lead serious consequences. It is recommended to stay in-bounds or close to the resort today. The snow is great, overhead blowers, light and deep. Beware of getting stuck in the forest. Always be conscious of the hazards of backcountry skiing and stay prudent.
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Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing:
Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 395cm
Base - 195cm
Niseko Village:
Top - 360cm
Base - 215cm
Annupuri:
Top - 335cm
Base - 210cm
Niseko Now 2013-2014 season |
Data as of Friday 21st February 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1022cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 77 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 163cm reported on 17 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.