Niseko Now: Monday 22nd February 2016
- Feb 22, 2016
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 6cm
Snowfall at base this season 811cm
Posted on Monday 22nd February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Good morning from Niseko and it feels nice and cold this morning.
There's 6cm of snow outside my place this morning and so I would expect 10+cm out on the mountain this morning. Just cloudy at the moment and quite bright. Not much in terms of snow is expected today but it should be back tonight giving me more to report tomorrow morning.
Unfortunately, wind is once again going to be an issue today. There were strong winds overnight and as we start the day top lifts are on hold at Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri - current status at the time of writing added below. Those of you who have followed my reports over the last few years will know just how much the winds annoy me... they affect top lifts on too many days in a season. (Not that I have a solution for a way round the problem...!)
Regular snowfall is still lined up on the current 6-day forecast and it looks like temperatures should be dropping further again come mid-week.
So if you are going to be here in Niseko this coming week, be prepared for snowy and cold conditions!
Have fun; do take care out there.
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Resort specific lift 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 on hold at the start of the day due to strong winds.
Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Currently the Number 1 lift is open but operating at reduced speed.
Niseko Village
The top Wonderland Chair lift is on hold at the start of the day due to strong wind. Gondola currently open but moving slowly.
Niseko Annupuri
The Annupuri Gondola, Jumbo Number 3 and Jumbo Number 4 lifts are on hold at the start of the day due to strong winds.
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Niseko Avalanche Report:
Niseko base 6am: -6℃, 10cm snowfall. Moiwa 838m: -10.4℃, N4.7m/s, 20cm snowfall with snowdrifts development. Benkei cape: NNW15m/s, Kamui cape: W12m/s, 1025hPa, wave height unknown. Hirafu peak ridge 1250m: -13℃, NE15m/s with development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: -12℃, NW15m/s with snowdrift development.
Intermittent snowfall under the winter pressure chart. Snow amount is small, however newly formed 40-50cm snowdrifts are developing in leeward knolls and under ridgelines above 800m elevation. Looking at observation and weather data, the snowdrifts are developing as we speak and are very unstable, easily collapsing from Feb 22nd layer with riding stimulation. Avalanche hazard level is high. Peak gates closure is undecided, please respect the patrol’s instructions. Bumpy Feb 21st layer is hiding shallow under the new snowpack, be careful not to fall and ride in controllable speed. Various hazards are lurking in the mountains. Better not overestimate your knowledge, experience, equipment and skills; always stay humble and prudent. Marginal conditions today, we strongly hope for everyone to stay safe out there.
Niseko Now 2015-2016 season |
Data as of Monday 22nd February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 811cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 64 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (17th February) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 303cm reported on 26 days February 2016 snowfall 203cm 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.