Niseko Now: Monday 26th February 2018
- Feb 26, 2018
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 24cm
Snowfall at base this season 1192cm
Posted on Monday 26th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Some heavy snowfall last night and this morning we are all in for a treat... I'm adding 24cm of really quality-looking snowfall to my report this morning here at base. And, as always, it's reasonable to expect more up there higher up.
I wasn't expecting such a good number, but it is the very nice kind of surprise.
And it means that we only need another 7cm of snowfall to go before my observed snowfall for February 2018 reaches 3m. It looks like it should be fun putting together my season so far recap. Expect that sometime in the first few days of March.
Anyway, more snow today and tomorrow (perhaps!) and then some sun around mind week (perhaps!) and then more regular snowfall for the start of March (perhaps!) - the forecast is still looking good and friendly for us. As it stands at the moment, if you like the sunshine Wednesday should be your day.
Actually (last minute update before posting).... as I write this it's snowing quite nicely, nice big flakes. Though some blue skies not far from the mountain. See webcam images below.
Wind shouldn't be any issue today and all lifts should be open.
Visibility might be limited but the snow quality this morning should more than make up for that.
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Niseko Avalanche Report:
Niseko base 5.00am: -10°, 20cm new snow, calm. Moiwa 800m: -10.3°, WSW4.4m/s, 20cm new snow, no snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -11°, light winds, 25cm new snow. Hirafu 1250m: -13°, 20cm new snow, light wind. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: NW12m/s. Kamui Cape: NW8m/s, 1021hPa, wave 1.1m.
Currently we have high pressure to the west and low pressure to the east, the isobars are spaced widely apart and 20-30cm light crystal snow fell overnight. From tests the snow pack has stabilized and general avalanche risk is low. Light snow in the trees is good riding. Peak gates are expected to be open. Please listen to the patrols advice and prepare before going out of bounds. Shallow soft slab avalanches are likely to occur on 30 deg slopes above 900m.
1 year ago today Sam passed away in Haru no Taki, our deep condolences to his family and friends. The reasons are not so simple for Haru no Taki being strictly off limits. It's not only because its dangerous. Remember that by it being closed you are able to ride wide areas on the rest of the mountain.
As we move into spring the risk of full depth avalanches increases. Avoid riding on cracked slopes, reconsider any bad habits like riding or stopping in the valley bottom. Don't duck ropes and enter strictly off limits areas. Do not overestimate your knowledge skills or equipment. Danger is everywhere. Have a good day.
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Monday 26th February 2018
Resort specific information (operations subject to change):
Niseko Grand Hirafu & Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Lifts scheduled to be operating:
- All lifts (apart from King Number 2) should be operating
Official snow depth:
- Top: 530cm
- Base: 260cm
Niseko Annupuri Kokusai
Lifts scheduled to be operating:
- All lifts should be operating
Official snow depth:
- Top: 420cm
- Base: 250cm
Niseko Village
Lifts scheduled to be operating:
- All lifts (apart from the Country Road Chair lift) should be operating
Official snow depth:
- Top: 420cm
- Base: 280cm
Niseko Now 2017-2018 season |
Data as of Monday 26th February 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 1192cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 86 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (31st December) November 2017 snowfall 188cm reported on 11 days December 2017 snowfall 406cm reported on 27 days January 2018 snowfall 305cm reported on 26 days February 2018 snowfall 293cm 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.