Niseko Now: Friday 24th February 2017
- Feb 24, 2017
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 13cm
Snowfall at base this season 563cm
Posted on Friday 24th February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
A nice layer of snow this morning.
Yes, 13cm of it here at base and the report below is mentioning up to 25cm on mountain, so it should be a decent new layer to enjoy this morning. And I see a lot of activity out there with people eager to get up and enjoy it. I hope they didn't sacrifice their toast.
Pesky wind is causing problems for top lifts at the start of the day I'm afraid.
Anyway, (as always) take care out there and have fun. Looks like it will be just cloudy once this light snow stops sometime during the day today.
I would say the forecast is looking pretty good for some snowy conditions over the weekend (starting just cloudy in the morning tomorrow?) and it should be keeping cold too.
So here's to a good upcoming weekend!
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Niseko Avalanche Report:
Niseko base: -5℃, 15cm snowfall. Moiwa 800m: -8.1℃, W13.2m/s, 3am 23.2m/s, 20-25cm snowfall with large development of snowdrifts and cornices. Annupuri 1150m: -12℃, W29m/s, large snowdrift development. Hirafu 1250m: -12℃, strong westerly wind with large snowdrift development. Kamui cape lighthouse: NNW13m/s, 1002hPa, 3.7m waves.
A strong westerly wind is blowing towards the low-pressure system laying on the sea of Okhostsk. Snowdrifts and cornices are developing big. The snowdrifts have reached 100-150cm thickness in leeward areas around 800m elevation and are very prone to collapse with a slight stimulation. The general avalanche risk is high today. Predicted trigger layer is Feb 23rd’s low-pressure snowfall. All peak gates will be closed. The hazard level will remain high a while after the wind calms down.
This info is issued in hopes to prevent accidents and is not for reporting make any comments of any avalanches or accidents. Niseko have been through bitter experiences in the past and know that analyzing the cause of an accident after it happened would not help much about preventing further similar cases. There has been 8 fatalities in the decade between 1980 and 1990 in this small mountain.
Some good snow can be found in the tree runs. 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 on hold at the start of the day due to strong winds. Looks like the Ace Number 2 Center quad might be a bit delayed opening too.
Niseko HANAZONO Resort
The top Hanazono Number 3 lift is on hold at the start of the day due to wind and fog/poor visibility.
Niseko Village
The Niseko Gondola and top Wonderland Chair lift are on hold at the start of the day.
Niseko Annupuri
The Annupuri Gondola, Jumbo 3 and Jumbo 4 lifts are on hold at the start of the day.
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Official resort snow depths as of Friday 24th February 2017:
Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono
Top - 330cm
Base - 130cm
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 Friday 24th February 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 563cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 70 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 120cm reported on 16 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.