Niseko Now: Friday 29th December 2017
- Dec 29, 2017
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 25cm
Snowfall at base this season 572cm
Posted on Friday 29th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
I am measuring 25cm of fresh snow this morning as it continues to fall; and quite heavily too. (Though don't worry, the snow is lovely and light).
Let's promise ourselves to a) not let this get boring, or b) get complacent about all of this ok? I am so excited to see how the rest of the season turns out. It's hard to believe that we are still in 2017 but I'm not one to wish away the days, so I feel the need to enjoy it as much as possible while it lasts.
Anyway, limited visibility this morning but I am happy to report much less wind and all lifts appear to be opening as planned.
I don't feel the need for so many words this morning and I think I am going to get wrapped up and enjoy a few hours on the slopes. In the name of research of course. Maybe see some of you out there.
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Niseko Avalanche Report:
Niseko base 6am: -7℃, 10cm snowfall and calm. Moiwa 800m: -9.3℃, WSW2.4m/s, wind stagnating below 15m/s overnight, 30cm snowfall with large snowdrifts developments. Annupuri 1150m: -10℃, light breeze, 40cm snowfall, 100cm snowdrifts. Hirafu peak ridge 1250m: -13℃, light breeze, 50cm snowfall. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW11m/s, Kamui cape NNW10m/s, 1010hPa, 1.7m waves.
40cm new snow of light crystal flakes is blanketing the whole mountain. The snowpack of 800-900m snowdrifts is stabilizing and the avalanche hazard is lowering in general, however stabilization of large snowdrifts in higher altitude (1000m) SE facing slopes will take some more time to settle down. The avalanche risk in the Backbowl walls, Higashi-One cornice slopes, strictly off-limits Haru no Taki area remains high. Looking at the snowfall transition and all other data, the snowpack will stabilize tomorrow. Peak gates will be kept closed, Moiwa gate no.6 may open depending on chair lift operations. Beware of geothermal holes throughout the mountain.
The snow condition is ever changing. Many of the accidents occur during storms and in slopes with large snowdrifts development. The snowpack stabilizes as the storm settles down. Plan your route according to the given conditions. Make conservative decisions and come back safe.
The Niseko Rules protects the freedom and safety of all resort users. Awesome snow today, enjoy :)
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Friday 29th December 2017
Resort specific information (operations subject to change):
Niseko Grand Hirafu & Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Lifts scheduled to be operating:
- All lifts are operating
Official snow depth:
- Top: 340cm
- Base: 160cm
Niseko Annupuri Kokusai
Lifts scheduled to be operating:
- All lifts are operating
Official snow depth:
- Top: 230cm
- Base: 150cm
Niseko Village
Lifts scheduled to be operating:
- All lifts except Country Road Chair are operating
Official snow depth:
- Top: 240cm
- Base: 170cm
Niseko Now 2017-2018 season |
Data as of Friday 29th December 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 572cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 37 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (21st December) November 2017 snowfall 188cm reported on 11 days December 2017 snowfall 384cm reported on 26 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.