Niseko Now: Friday 22nd February 2013
- Feb 22, 2013
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 16, 2025
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 15cm
Snowfall at base this season 1238cm
Weather overview Cloud, snow in places
Wind
Varied
Temperature -9C base / -14C top
Visibility Variable
Posted at 8:35am on Friday 22nd February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Add another 15cm of fresh snowfall so to the tally here in Hirafu, and add a bit more for the overnight delivery on the slopes of the mountain.
This morning it's a fairly similar story to yesterday if I remember correctly, with just a bit less wind perhaps. Here over on the Hirafu side anyway, though I see that Annupiru are reporting gusts of up 18m/s on the upper parts of the resort there. Even so, it would seem that all of the top lifts are scheduled to open up as normal this morning as things stand at the moment.
Visibility on the mountain looks variable depending on where you are. There was even a bit of sun trying to break through the cloud over in Hanazono just a short while ago. Probably temporary. Snowing up in Hirafu.
So, generally cloudy with snow likely to be falling through the day at any time a similar pattern likely to continue over the weekend. We might get clearer skies once we get into early next week.
Hope you have a fun weekend whether you are going to be in in Niseko or not.
Avalanche Information
Niseko base 6am: -8C, 15cm of mixed crystal snow. Moiwa 800m: W10m/s, -12C, development of unstable snowdrifts. Annupuri peak 1308m: WSW13.8m/s, -16.2C. Coastal data: WNW14m/s, 2.1m waves, 1013hPa.
The isobars are spacing out and the wind & snow is gradually calming down. All data, snowfall transition and observations show that the avalanche hazard is lowering; however leeward slopes above 800m, namely all Backbowl area, Osawa cornice slopes, Mikaeri bowl, backside Higashione knolls and steep slopes are still likely to slide at anytime. Gate 2 & 3 will be kept closed for the sake of all resort users. Others to be determined, please respect the ski patrol's decisions.
Accidents are likely to happen after storms, right after the lift re-started operations. The weather will turn better in the morning, but it is recommended to start from the tree-runs and gradually go higher, better not rush and drop from high gates. Beware also of hidden cracks; remain in control, be prudent. Stay humble; better not overestimate your own skills and the performance of your gears. The snow is in good condition.
Niseko Now 2012-2013 season |
Data as of Friday 22nd February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1238cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 82 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 443cm reported on 26 days February 2013 snowfall 259cm reported on 18 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.