Niseko Now: Tuesday 21st February 2017
- Feb 21, 2017
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 3, 2025
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 3cm
Snowfall at base this season 548cm
Posted on Tuesday 21st February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
I enjoyed some very fine conditions yesterday. It didn't clear up like we thought it might early on, keeping cloudy but generally visibility was decent and a nice day to be out. For one quad lift ride there was me, a guy from Australia, a lady from Argentina and a teenager from Thailand. How about that for a fun mix? I even saw some Japanese people out on the slopes yesterday. (I think). ;)
There were some very strong and noisy winds starting yesterday evening and some pretty wild conditions overnight. I have 3cm of snow to report but it's very likely going to be more than that in places due to the wind. That also means that it's not going to be an even layer of fresh this morning so do take care.
Earlier it was snowing lightly but for now that has stopped and it is quite bright actually - some blue sky starting to appear as of 8:30am.
It is not as windy this morning but still some top lifts are affected at the start of the day.
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Niseko Avalanche Report:
Mountain base: -8°, 20cm new snow, snowdrift development. Moiwa 800m: -11°, W8m/s, snowdrift development, 11pm last night wind 22.31m/s. Annupuri 1150m, -14°, NW10m/s, snowdrift development. Hirafu 1250m, -162°, N10m/s, snowdrift development. Coastal data: Kamui Cape:NW8m/s, 1010hPa, wave 2.5m.
Wind has dropped now but strong winds overnight have caused major snowdrift development. Around 800m elevation, snowdrifts on knolls have grown by 120cm. General avalanche risk is high. Gates 1,2,3,and 4 will be closed, other gates yet to be decided. Snow is deep and heavy in the trees. Cornices on the ridge lines are getting big. Although the snowdrifts are starting to stabilize it will take more time because of the amount of snow. Today it is best to stay away from steep open slopes on Annupuri and the surrounding mountains.
An avalanche is just a natural occurrence, accidents don't happen if there are no people involved. The mountain will get better soon, have a safe day.
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Resort specific opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day):
Niseko Grand Hirafu
The top Ace Number 4 and King Number 4 lifts are not moving at the start of the day due to wind conditions.
Niseko HANAZONO Resort
The top Hanazono Number 3 lift is not moving at the start of the day due to wind conditions.
Niseko Village
The top Wonderland Chair lift is not moving at the start of the day due to wind conditions.
Niseko Annupuri
The Annupuri Gondola and top Jumbo Number 4 lift is not moving at the start of the day due to wind conditions.
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Official resort snow depths as of Tuesday 21st February 2017:
Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono
Top - 320cm
Base - 120cm
Niseko Village
Top - 300cm
Base - 140cm
Niseko Annupuri
Top - 315cm
Base - 140cm
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Night skiing is planned until Monday 20th March 2017 at the Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Village resort areas. There is no nighta in the Hanazono area.
Niseko Now 2016-2017 season |
Data as of Tuesday 21st February 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 548cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 67 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (16th December) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 181cm reported on 22 days January 2017 snowfall 152cm reported on 18 days February 2017 snowfall 105cm 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.