Niseko Now: Monday 24th February 2020
- Feb 24, 2020
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 19cm
Snowfall at base this season 650cm
Posted on Monday 24th February 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Phew. That storm was stormy. I think I am correct in saying that only a few lower lifts got some exercise.
But it has left us a lovely present.
No, not socks!
Rather, close on 20cm of fresh snowfall, most falling by late evening yesterday.
I note that the Avalanche report is saying just 5cm, but that's over the last 12 hours; Hirafu are reporting 20cm on upper areas and Hanazono are report 16cm with 10cm down below.
I am guessing that on the mountain this morning there will be places that exceed all of these numbers, perhaps by quite a bit.
And with the sun out and blue skies to enjoy, it should be an excellent morning. No wonder there is are long lines for the first lifts of the day.
It is totally natural to be excited at the prospect of what awaits today, but let's keep in mind inherent dangers. See the avalanche report below. Be safe out there.
Today is a national holiday in Japan to celebrate the Emperors Birthday.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Mountain Base: -3°, 5cm new snow in last 12hrs. Moiwa 800m: NW 314deg 8.3m/s, -6.4°. Annupuri 1100m: W 262deg 8.9m/s, no temp data. Yu no Sawa 1000m: W 247deg 5.5m/s, -9.3°. Niseko Village 900m: W 284deg 3.5m/s, -8.6°. Hirafu 1000m :E 114deg 3.3m/s, -9.3°. Hanazono 720m: W 255deg 5.6m/s, -5.9°. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: NW 12m/s. Kamui Cape SW 10m/s, 1015hPa, wave 2.7m.
The low pressure system from yesterday has passed by, the winds are dropping and the weather is calming. However from yesterdays blizzard, avalanche risk on the entire mountain is still very high. Snow drift development was observed this morning down to 300m, at 600m 2m development can be seen on SE slopes. Snow drifts are hard and compacted. From tests, snow is fracturing on the Feb 22nd warm layer at depth 45cm and avalanche risk is high. All upper gates will be closed.
Lower gates will be open, however avoid open steep slopes and knolls.
Hope we have no accidents today. Be safe out there.
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Niseko Grand Hirafu
Official snow depth (reported by resort):
- Peak: 300cm
- Base: 120cm
All lifts are normally operating EXCEPT:
- Ace Number 1 pair lift (normally rested)
- King Number 2 quad lift (normally rested)
All courses normally open
Lifts scheduled for late operations:
- Ace Family quad until 8:30pm
- Ace Number 2 Center Four quad until 8:20pm
- Hirafu Gondola until 8:10pm
- Holiday Number 1 pair until 8:30pm
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Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Official snow depth (reported by resort):
- Peak: 205cm
- Base: 125cm
All lifts are normally operating
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Niseko Annupuri
Official snow depth (reported by resort):
- Peak: 180cm
- Base: 110cm
All lifts are normally operating
Lift scheduled for late operations:
- Jumbo Number 1 quad until 8:30pm
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Niseko Village
Official snow depth (reported by resort):
- Peak: 190cm
- Base: 110cm
All lifts normally operating EXCEPT:
- Country Road Chair (normally rested)
Lifts scheduled for late operations:
- Annupuri Village Gondola until 8:00pm
- Village Express until 8:00pm
- Banzai Chair until 8:00pm
Niseko Now 2019-2020 season |
Data as of Monday 24th February 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 650cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 68 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 33cm (21st January) November 2019 snowfall 85cm reported on 10 days December 2019 snowfall 207cm reported on 21 days January 2020 snowfall 224cm reported on 20 days February 2020 snowfall 134cm 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.