Niseko Now: Tuesday 6th March 2018
- Mar 6, 2018
- 4 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 1cm
Snowfall at base this season 1222cm
Posted on Tuesday 6th March 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
I have some fresh snow to report but just 1cm of it.
It is snowing very lightly (indeed) as I put this report together and it is keeping pretty cold which is of course a good thing.
Keeping cold will be good as it doesn't look like we should expect much snow over the next few days. I would be more than happy for that to be wrong.
It looks like the Hirafu Gondola is having some issues at the start of the day.
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One thing I would like to point out once again. My snow measurements come from close to Niseko Grand Hirafu base and are done by myself (and sponsored by - or should I say fuel(l)ed by - toast). There is often more snowfall higher up on the mountain than at base. In early and late season in particular, this can easily mean the difference between no snow on the ground here at base and snowfall delivered to the mountain.
Having said that, today the Avalanche report is not reporting more than trace at each of their points.
I'll comment on it when I feel there is going to be any notable difference on a given day.
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Niseko Avalanche Report:
Niseko base 6.00am: -8°, trace new snow. Moiwa 800m: -10.1°, W8.6m/s(overnight 17m/s), trace new snow, cornice development. Annupuri 1150m: -14°, NW15m/s snow wind, trace new snow, poor visibility. Hirafu peak: -13°, snow wind, trace new snow, poor visibility. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: N9m/s. Kamui Cape: WNW7m/s, 1020hPa, wave 1.5m.
The barometric pressure gradient has steepened and a strong westerly wind blew overnight. Only a small amount of snow has fallen however new cornice development from wind blown snow is collapsing easily. In the past in similar conditions 3 high school students were buried by an avalanche caused by a cornice collapsing in Mikaeri Bowl. Take care on cornice slopes above 800m. An avalanche happens when conditions are right regardless of the amount of snow and only becomes an accident if people are involved.
Overall the general avalanche risk is low. Peak gates are expected to be open. Follow the patrol's decisions. To avoid getting caught in a full depth avalanche you should reconsider your habit of riding in the valley bottoms. On the south east side of Annupuri where there are steep slopes with large elevation changes, full depth avalanches can have a major impact on the topography and vegetation. Large avalanches like these have come down onto the forest road in the past. From the snowfall this winter strict precautions are needed for spring. Spring is here now with these freeze/thaw cycles. Have a good day.
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Tuesday 6th March 2018
Resort specific information (operations subject to change):
Niseko Grand Hirafu & Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Lifts scheduled to be operating:
- All lifts should be operating as planned
- Hirafu Gondola having issues at the start of the day
Official snow depth:
- Top: 520cm
- Base: 230cm
Niseko Annupuri Kokusai
Lifts scheduled to be operating:
- All lifts should be operating as planned
- The Gondola might be delayed opening at the start of the day
Official snow depth:
- Top: 450cm
- Base: 240cm
Niseko Village
Lifts scheduled to be operating:
- All lifts should be operating as planned (Country Road Chair lift not operating)
Official snow depth:
- Top: 450cm
- Base: 280cm
Niseko Now 2017-2018 season |
Data as of Tuesday 6th March 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 1222cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 91 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 299cm reported on 24 days March 2018 snowfall 24cm reported on 3 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.