Niseko Now: Thursday 28th December 2017
- Dec 28, 2017
- 4 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 28cm
Snowfall at base this season 547cm
Posted on Thursday 28th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
The snow continues to build up and rather quickly at that. I have another 28cm of fresh snowfall here at base to report to you this morning.
I see this morning that Niseko Grand Hirafu have their upper official snow depth at 320cm; while Annupuri have their official base snow depth at 130cm. That seems particularly low, but there you go. I am just reporting the information they put out there. 130cm does seem unrealistically low - as anyone here will surely agree with - and actually all of them seem low. But it is worth pointing out again that the official snow depth numbers can't be expected to increase as per the amount of new snowfall that is reported. For a number of reasons including some I can't explain particularly well - snow gets compacted and groomed etc.
Happily there seems to be less wind today. It is still quite windy but not the wild conditions we have had over the last few days. Perhaps some lifts that were closed yesterday should be available this morning and it should be a very nice morning to be outside and enjoying all of this fresh snow. Resort specific information updated in below, so please check that out. (Looks like just the Gondola and top lifts are affected by wind and on stand-by at the start of the day).
Gates will be closed though.
If you are wanting to see the sun, you might have to wait until the weekend as snow is still forecast for today and tomorrow.
I wonder how much snow we'll get by the end of the year. With the snow I am adding today, my total for the season so far is up to 547cm. I am looking forward to putting my "season recap" report together early in January!
---
As some rather naughty people might not read the reports every day, I'd like to bring my comments from yesterday to your attention. If you did not see my report yesterday, please do take a read.
Many thanks to everyone who has sent in kind messages of support, comments and suggestions. It is always very nice to hear from you and they are always really appreciated.
---
Niseko Avalanche Report:
Niseko base 6m: -7℃, 15cm, calm. Moiwa800m: -9.1℃, W9.8m/s, 30cm snowfall with small snowdrifts development. Annupuri1150m: -13℃, W10m/s, 40cm snowfall. Hirafu1100m: -12℃, light breeze, 20cm snowfall. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW14m/s, Kamui cape W12m/s, 1008hPa, 2.8m waves.
The snow keeps falling but the winter pressure pattern is settling down making the wind calm down. 5am observations showed that although some depth hoar layer due to wind and temperature change are present in the snowpack, the avalanche hazard is starting to stabilize in general. Risk of a large avalanche from Dec 24th layer is still to be highly expected in some slope aspects and inclination. Better stay vigilant in shady slopes too.
There are no such thing as a “safe” winter mountain. The snow is in great shape, however a small slide on a steep slope can trigger a deeper/larger avalanche as it runs down. Better not underestimate the risks you’re taking. Sketchy conditions continues today and the same conditions applies for all surrounding mountains. Tourers beware. Do not stop at the bottom of the gully/valley, avalanches strikes from above you.
Peak lifts operation is undetermined. All gates will remain closed. Please respect the ski patrol’s instructions. Niseko respects the freedom of all users, but is also deeply concerned about their safety.
---
Thursday 28th December 2017
Resort specific information (operations subject to change):
Niseko Grand Hirafu & Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Lifts scheduled to be operating:
- All lifts except Ace Number 4 and King Number 2 are operating
** Strong winds are affecting the top King Number 4 lift at the start of the day
Official snow depth:
- Top: 320cm
- Base: 150cm
Niseko Annupuri Kokusai
Lifts scheduled to be operating:
- All lifts are operating
** Strong winds are affecting the Gondola and top Jumbo Number 4 lift at the start of the day
Official snow depth:
- Top: 210cm
- Base: 130cm
Niseko Village
Lifts scheduled to be operating:
- All lifts except Country Road Chair are operating
** Strong winds are affecting the top Wonderland Chair lift at the start of the day
Official snow depth:
- Top: 230cm
- Base: 170cm
Niseko Now 2017-2018 season |
Data as of Thursday 28th December 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 547cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 36 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (21st December) November 2017 snowfall 188cm reported on 11 days December 2017 snowfall 359cm reported on 25 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.