Niseko Now: Sunday 26th February 2017
- Feb 26, 2017
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 18cm
Snowfall at base this season 600cm
Posted on Sunday 26th February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
The morning a similar amount of snow on the ground and another cold morning. Snow conditions should be really good out there but visibility remains generally limited and winds are causing top lifts to be on hold at the start of the day again.
Forgive me for being a bit quiet this morning as I have just heard the news in the Avalanche Report (below). While I don't know any more details myself, it is of course extremely sad to hear such things and thoughts are with his family.
Do take care out there everyone.
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Niseko Avalanche Report:
Niseko base: -8℃, 20cm snowfall. Moiwa800m: -11.5℃, W16.8m/s, 20cm snowfall with snow drifts development. Annupuri 1150m: -16℃, NNW18m/s, 30cm snowfall. Hirafu 1250m: -16℃, light breeze, 20cm snowfall. Kamui cape lighthouse: W12m/s, 1014hPa, 2.6m waves.
A westerly wind with snowfall is persisting as a cold front passed and barometric longitude shifted and delivered 20-30cm of fresh snow at the base overnight. The snow drifts have developed slowly around 800m elevation. Avalanche risk remains high around cornices and knoll terrains at Annupuri Osawa, Backbowl and Higashi-One. Potential trigger layer is Feb 23rd’s low-pressure snowfall. The stabilization of the newly formed snowdrifts is progressing, however hazard level remains high and caution is required at all times. Do not enter the south facing strictly off-limits areas. Traversing across cornice or steep slopes and/or many people dropping into the same slope at the same time is a very bad idea. Peak gates’ opening is yet to be decided. The snow in the tree runs is very good. We strongly demand everyone to play by the rules.
We would like to express our deepest condolences for Sam Armstrong who passed away in an avalanche in Haru No Taki area south-east slope yesterday and offer our heartfelt sympathy for his family and friends.
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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 and poor visibility.
Niseko HANAZONO Resort
All three lifts operating at the start of the day.
Niseko Village
The top Wonderland Chair lift is on hold at the start of the day.
Niseko Annupuri
The top Jumbo Number 4 lift is on hold at the start of the day.
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Official resort snow depths as of Sunday 26th February 2017:
Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono
Top - 370cm
Base - 160cm
Niseko Village
Top - 315cm
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 Sunday 26th February 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 600cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 72 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 157cm 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.