Niseko Now: Thursday 7th February 2019
- Feb 7, 2019
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 4cm
Snowfall at base this season 768cm
Posted on Thursday 7th February 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Morning. I'm really not feeling very well this morning, so forgive my short report.
4cm of snow measured, light snow and light wind; and cold conditions with regular snow there on the forecast.
Hopefully back to normal tomorrow morning. Bye!
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Niseko Avalanche Report:
Mountain base 6am: -8℃, 1cm snowfall in 12h, calm morning. Moiwa800m: -10.9℃, W2.9m/s, moderate snowdrift development overnight with slight snowfall. Mikaeri CAT track has been groomed. Annupuri11120m: 230cm snow depth, calm. Mizuno no sawa: -11.97℃, NW1.7m/s, 3cm snowfall in 12h, 158cm snowpack at the base. Suttsu weather station: -4.9℃, 53cm snow depth. Kutchan: -7.6℃, 164cm snow depth. Sea of Japan Benkei cape: N6m/s, Kamui cape: NNW6m/s, 1012hPa, 0.7m waves.
The isobars are spaced out and the weather is calm at the ocean and the mountains. According to observations, some shallow surface slab slides are still considerable, however the overall avalanche hazard level is low. All gates are scheduled to open from the morning. Listen to the ski patrol’s instructions and be well aware and prepared before stepping out of the gates. The mountain is tracked out, beware of bumps. Do not enter the strictly off-limits areas to find fresh tracks. One track under the rope would lead many others to follow it. Please conform to the Niseko Rules in order to prevent tragic accidents.
Most accidents occur during poor weather. When the resort gates are closed, the surrounding mountains are also in hazardous conditions. Many cases of accidents have been reported when resort gates are closed. Tour guides and group leaders are greatly responsible for their party’s safety, be sure not to underestimate the hazards of winter mountains.
Mountain guides are not bus guides, just knowing the way back does not qualify them as a good guide.
Beware of sudden weather changes and have a great day.
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Ski resort operation information: Thursday 7th February 2019
Subject to change due to weather conditions
Niseko Grand Hirafu
Official snow depth (reported by resort):
- Peak: 350cm
- Base: 140cm
Ski lifts operating:
- All lifts opening as normal at the start of the day (Ace Number 1 pair and King Number 2 quad lifts rested)
- The Ace Family quad (until 8:30pm), Ace Center 4 quad (8:20pm), Hirafu Gondola (until 8:10pm) and Holiday Number 1 pair (until 8:30pm) lifts are normally open during the evening
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Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Official snow depth (reported by resort):
- Peak: 240cm
- Base: 202cm
Ski lifts operating:
- All lifts opening as normal at the start of the day
- The Hanazono lifts are normally open until 3:50pm (Number 3 until 3:30pm)
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Niseko Annupuri
Official snow depth (reported by resort):
- Peak: 300cm
- Base: 150cm
Ski lifts operating:
- All lifts opening as normal at the start of the day
- The Jumbo 1 lift is normally open until 8:30pm during the evening
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Niseko Village
Official snow depth (reported by resort):
- Peak: 300cm
- Base: 160cm
Ski lifts operating:
- All lifts opening as normal at the start of the day (Country Road lift rested)
- The Upper Village Gondola, Village Express and Banzai Chair lifts are normally open until 8:00pm during the evening
Niseko Now 2018-2019 season |
Data as of Thursday 7th February 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 768cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 66 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (29th December) November 2018 snowfall 84cm reported on 8 days December 2018 snowfall 333cm reported on 26 days January 2019 snowfall 285cm reported on 25 days February 2019 snowfall 66cm reported on 7 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.