Niseko Now: Sunday 24th December 2017
- Dec 24, 2017
- 4 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 0cm
Snowfall at base this season 482cm
Posted on Sunday 24th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Merry Christmas. Yes, here in Japan Christmas Eve (night) seems to be 'Christmas' more than Christmas Day itself. If that clumsy explanation makes sense! It's a night filled with joy, mostly featuring couples or families enjoying some traditional Kentucky Fried Chicken and delightfully light and fluffy decorated sponge cakes.
And on the subject of delightfully light and fluffy - actually, I don't have any cm of fresh snowfall to report this morning. Doh!
There was actually some light snow falling at times during the day yesterday, but it didn't amount to much in the end. That was all expected of course. No need to evacuate seeking better conditions just yet with regular snowfall - heavy at times, with added strong winds - due to be with us come tomorrow. Don't be too shocked if it rains before it snows again though. It shouldn't last long.
For the moment early this morning there is a lot of cloud around (bit of sun peeking through in places) and it is relatively mild and calm.
Lots of people were enjoying some gate action yesterday, though hearing various reports of some 'ducking' going on too. Let's respecting the rules, folks. There're really not there just for the sake of having some boring rules. And I think it is always good manners to respect the rules of places you are visiting.
Anyway, enjoy today. And prepare for what's to come!
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With most lifts now operating I have adjusted the resort specific information bit below.
I'll continue to update the official snow depth data as well as noting any resort-specific information in the space below every day.
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Niseko Avalanche Report:
Niseko base 6.00am: -2°, no new snow, calm. Moiwa 800m : -4.1°, WSW1.2m/s, no new snow. Annupuri 1150m: -6°, no new snow, calm. Hirafu 12500m: -8°, no new snow, calm. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:SSW4m/s. Kamui Cape: SW10m/s, 1018hPa, wave 0.9m.
The atmospheric pressure is stable and weather is calm. As a low pressure system approaches this afternoon expect temperature to rise, southerly wind to pick up and wet snow start to fall. From observation, data and snowfall transition the general avalanche risk is low. Gates are expected to be open this morning. Listen to the patrols advice.
Yesterday was the first day peak gates opened this season and lots of people used them to ride out of bounds. There was no accidents but some people were still ducking ropes. Thanks to all who respect the rules. Although today's avalanche risk is low we never know what is going to happen in the mountains. Always use caution. The weather is expected to deteriorate this afternoon. Head home a little earlier today.
At Annupuri 1000m on the ridge side, the cornice has grown to about 7m high and 150m long. Today the grooming machines will flatten it out, keep your distance while they are working. Be careful when visibility is bad, the cornices are very high at the moment and easy to fall off if you don't see them. The weather is turning bad today. Make decisions based on the current situation. Niseko is paying serious attention to the safety of users. Have a good day.
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Sunday 24th December 2017
Resort specific information (operations subject to change):
Niseko Grand Hirafu & Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Lifts operating:
- All lifts except Ace Number 4 and King Number 2 are operating
Official snow depth:
- Top: 285cm
- Base: 135cm
Niseko Annupuri Kokusai
Lifts operating:
- All lifts are operating
Official snow depth:
- Top: 210cm
- Base: 160cm
Niseko Village
Lifts operating:
- All lifts except Country Road Chair are operating
Official snow depth:
- Top: 220cm
- Base: 170cm
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Floodlit 'nighta' skiing:
Night skiing is planned for every evening at the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas. There is no nighta at the Niseko HANAZONO area. Ski lifts that are scheduled to be operating for nighta are noted below (subject to change):
Niseko Grand Hirafu Ace Family quad, Ace Number 2 quad, Hirafu Gondola, Holiday Number 1 pair
Niseko Annupuri Jumbo Number 1 quad lift
Niseko Village: Village Express, Upper Village Gondola, Community Chair, Banzai Chair
Niseko Now 2017-2018 season |
Data as of Sunday 24th December 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 482cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 33 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (21st December) November 2017 snowfall 188cm reported on 11 days December 2017 snowfall 294cm reported on 22 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.