Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 13cm Snowfall at base this season 563cm Posted on Friday 24th February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here A nice layer of snow this morning. Yes, 13cm of it here at base and the report below is mentioning up to 25cm on mountain, so it should be a decent new layer to enjoy this morning. And I see a lot of activity out there with people eager to get up and enjoy it. I hope they didn't sacrifice their toast. Pesky wind is causing problems for top lifts at the start of the day I'm afraid. Anyway, (as always) take care out there and have fun. Looks like it will be just cloudy once this light snow stops sometime during the day today. I would say the forecast is looking pretty good for some snowy conditions over the weekend (starting just cloudy in the morning tomorrow?) and it should be keeping cold too. So here's to a good upcoming weekend! --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base: -5℃, 15cm snowfall. Moiwa 800m: -8.1℃, W13.2m/s, 3am 23.2m/s, 20-25cm snowfall with large development of snowdrifts and cornices. Annupuri 1150m: -12℃, W29m/s, large snowdrift development. Hirafu 1250m: -12℃, strong westerly wind with large snowdrift development. Kamui cape lighthouse: NNW13m/s, 1002hPa, 3.7m waves. A strong westerly wind is blowing towards the low-pressure system laying on the sea of Okhostsk. Snowdrifts and cornices are developing big. The snowdrifts have reached 100-150cm thickness in leeward areas around 800m elevation and are very prone to collapse with a slight stimulation. The general avalanche risk is high today. Predicted trigger layer is Feb 23rd’s low-pressure snowfall. All peak gates will be closed. The hazard level will remain high a while after the wind calms down. This info is issued in hopes to prevent accidents and is not for reporting make any comments of any avalanches or accidents. Niseko have been through bitter experiences in the past and know that analyzing the cause of an accident after it happened would not help much about preventing further similar cases. There has been 8 fatalities in the decade between 1980 and 1990 in this small mountain. Some good snow can be found in the tree runs. Have a safe day. --- Resort specific opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): Niseko Grand Hirafu The top Ace Number 4 and King Number 4 lifts are on hold at the start of the day due to strong winds. Looks like the Ace Number 2 Center quad might be a bit delayed opening too. Niseko HANAZONO Resort The top Hanazono Number 3 lift is on hold at the start of the day due to wind and fog/poor visibility. Niseko Village The Niseko Gondola and top Wonderland Chair lift are on hold at the start of the day. Niseko Annupuri The Annupuri Gondola, Jumbo 3 and Jumbo 4 lifts are on hold at the start of the day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Friday 24th February 2017: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 330cm Base - 130cm Niseko Village Top - 300cm Base - 140cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 315cm Base - 140cm --- Night skiing is planned until Monday 20th March 2017 at the Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Village resort areas. There is no nighta in the Hanazono area. Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 24th February 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 563cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 70 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (16th December) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 181cm reported on 22 days January 2017 snowfall 152cm reported on 18 days February 2017 snowfall 120cm reported on 16 days Previous report Next report 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 21cm Snowfall at base this season 1309cm Posted on Friday 24th February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Sorry for the late day; high winds through the night filled in the front of my house (although we really didn't get that much more than the Niigata Prefecture prediction of 15cm), meaning a lot more snowplowing than I thought. That was compounded a bit with that wet, soft, warm snow underneath that was making cars slide and nice cold hard surfaces turning mushy. Anyway, got the clearing done, then time to take some folks out snowshoeing, and now I'm finally here at the keyboard! It was pretty out there today, with all the snow sticking up in the trees. Lots of really beautiful drifts and swirls on the surface of the snow (snowshoeing does let you appreciate the woods and hills and animals and trees....). Not a lot of snow ahead, although we could use a good reset out there in the natural world. Plenty out there for snowshoeing, though. Akakura Kanko: 360cm, -5° Akakura Onsen: 330cm, -5° Ikenotaira Onsen: 290cm, -4° Myoko Suginohara: 275cm, -6° Seki Onsen: 500cm, -4° Myoko Ski Park: 300cm, -2° Kyukamura RunRun: 320cm, -2° Tangram Ski Circus: 260cm, -3° Madarao Kogen: 300cm, -6.5° (gold star for accuracy) Myoko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 24th February 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 1309cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 54 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 91cm (15th January) November 2016 snowfall 12cm reported on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 345cm reported on 13 days January 2017 snowfall 629cm reported on 21 days February 2017 snowfall 323cm reported on 16 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Myoko. 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 504cm Posted on Thursday 23rd February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . The day started off with clouds rolling a little way down the resort from the tops, but creating flat light conditions down to base. The flat light lifted mid morning improving visibility. Despite seeming like a light breeze at base, the wind was fairly strong further up the mountain and this meant that the Kitanomine Gondola was not able to operate today. There was a couple of centimetres of accumulation of new snow overnight, and then another couple later on mid morning. The pistes are in very nice condition, and the off piste areas are a little more challenging with a firm layer under the fresh dusting. Temperatures have certainly risen during the day and it was +3c in the village a short time ago with much melt evident on main roads. The wind is expected to increase tonight and be extremely strong tomorrow morning but the good news is there should be a decent amount of snow fall overnight. Let's hope that it doesn't all blow away! Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 23rd February 2017 Total snowfall at base 504cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 67 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (8th November) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 19 days December 2016 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days January 2017 snowfall 126cm reported on 15 day February 2017 snowfall 90cm reported on 13 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Furano. 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 446cm Posted on Thursday 23rd February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . There is a bit of fresh snow being reported by Goryu (5cm), Happo-one (3cm) and Cortina (10cm) and some fresh to be seen to areas around base levels too... but rain is what is happening now, even at higher elevations. Hopefully it will sooner-than-later changing into snow and in my report tomorrow I will have some fresh cm down to village to report. Hakuba 47: Hakuba 47 is reporting 0cm of fresh snowfall. The resort appears to be opening as planned this morning. Official snow depth Upper: 280cm Base: 150cm Hakuba Goryu: Hakuba Goryu is reporting 0cm of fresh snowfall. The resort appears to be opening as planned this morning but top lifts may be opening late. Official snow depth Alps: 340cm Toomi: 175cm Iimori: 120cm Hakuba Happo-one: Hakuba Happo-one is reporting 3cm of fresh snowfall (Riesen quad top). The resort appears to be opening as planned this morning. Official snow depth: Usagidaira: 265cm Kurobishi: 330cm Lower: 150cm Tsugaike Kogen: The resort appears to be opening as planned this morning. Part of Lower Han-no-ki and Champion not open; Uma-no-se closed. Official snow depth: Tsuga-no-mori: 395cm Han-no-ki: 355cm Maruyama: 160cm Oya-no-hara: 160cm Kane-no-naru-oka: 150cm Hakuba Cortina: Hakuba Cortina is reporting 10cm of fresh snowfall. The resort appears to be opening as planned this morning. Official snow depth: Top: 370cm Base: 240cm Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field: Official snow depth: Top: 190cm Base: 110cm Hakuba Norikura Onsen: Official snow depth: Top: 250cm Kashimayari: Official snow depth: Top: 215cm Hakuba Sanosaka: Official snow depth: Top: 140cm Hakuba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 23rd February 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 446cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 46 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 57cm (13th January) November 2016 snowfall 1cm reported on 1 day December 2016 snowfall 64cm reported on 11 days January 2017 snowfall 242cm reported on 20 days February 2017 snowfall 139cm reported on 14 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Hakuba. 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 550cm Posted on Thursday 23rd February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Just a little bit of snow to report from later on in the day yesterday... not much more than a dusting really, but I will be on the generous side and give the report a 1cm. Whoo-hoo! Yes, while today is milder from the start, it is going to get colder later on with snow forecast into tomorrow and hopefully over the weekend too. For the moment it is cloudy and fog is covering the upper areas too with poor visibility halting the top Annupuri and Hanazono lifts, wind also being mentioned by Hanazono. Doesn't feel windy down here at base though. I have observed 107cm of snowfall here at base in February so far - we need a lot of snow over the next 6 days to catch up with February in previous recent seasons. Come on, let's finish the month in style please! --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -2℃, some sprinkles. Moiwa800m: -3.9℃, E2.5m/s, light sprinkles. Annupuri1150m: -6℃, W2m/s, sprinkles. Hirafu1250m: -8℃, S10m/s, sprinkles. Kamui cape lighthouse: ENE3m/s, 1005hPa, 1.1m waves. Being in between two high pressure systems, the wind stays low and not much snowfall. Thick fog and low visibility above 800m elevation. Looking at the snowfall transition and observations, the snowpack is stable and the avalanche risk is low. More than 1000 people went out the gates, but no accidents or lost people were reported. We are grateful that people are acting with common sense. All gates are expected to open today, please follow the ski patrol’s instructions. Please refrain from entering strictly off-limits areas to seek fresh snow. One track left under the rope would lead many others to do the same and increase the chances of accidents to happen. There are strict rules regarding out of bounds riding in Niseko. Today’s freedom to step out of bounds rely on those Rules, please respect them. Yesterday’s tracks are still present. Beware of falling & crashing. The light is flat. Today’s surface layer will turn into a hoar layer in the future snowpack (Feb 23rd low-pressure system snowfall) and potentially become a notable weak layer. Beware of sudden weather changes. Have a safe day. --- Resort specific opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): Niseko Grand Hirafu The top Ace Number 4 and King Number 4 lifts are on hold at the start of the day due to wind and fog/poor visibility. Niseko HANAZONO Resort The top Hanazono Number 3 lift is on hold at the start of the day due to wind and fog/poor visibility. Niseko Village The top Wonderland Chair lift is on hold at the start of the day. Niseko Annupuri The top Jumbo 4 lift is on hold at the start of the day due to poor visibility. --- Official resort snow depths as of Thursday 23rd February 2017: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 310cm Base - 120cm Niseko Village Top - 300cm Base - 140cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 315cm Base - 140cm --- Night skiing is planned until Monday 20th March 2017 at the Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Village resort areas. There is no nighta in the Hanazono area. Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 23rd February 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 550cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 69 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (16th December) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 181cm reported on 22 days January 2017 snowfall 152cm reported on 18 days February 2017 snowfall 107cm reported on 15 days Previous report Next report 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Naeba region of Niigata New snowfall at base 30cm Snowfall at base this season 981cm Posted on Wednesday 22nd February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Naeba everybody. Thanks to all the new snow yesterday we have some lovely soft, smooth groomers out there this morning. Conditions should be ideal for carving it up today. It will also get relatively warm today probably rising above freezing by midday. For tonight we are expecting a little snow again with rain tomorrow morning then turning into snow. Hopefully the rain will pass us over though. Smashing! Lifts running today are: -Beginner lift No.4 08:00-17:00 -High-Speed lift No.5 08:30-20:30 -Prince Gondola No.2 08:30-16:00 (last ride up 15:30) -Takenokodaira Romance Lift 08:45-15:45 -Takenokoyama Romance Lift 09:30-15:00 -High-Speed Lift No.4 09:00-16:30 -High-Speed Lift No.3 08:00-17:00 -Huichi Pair Lift No.1 09:00-16:00 -The Dragondola 09:00-15:30 (last ascending lift 15:00) Naeba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 22nd February 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 981cm Number of days snowfall observed 57 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 80cm (15th January) November 2016 snowfall 17cm observed on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 150cm observed on 14 days January 2017 snowfall 550cm observed on 23 days February 2017 snowfall 264cm observed on 16 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Naeba. 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 9cm Snowfall at base this season 500cm Posted on Wednesday 22nd February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Furano has received a solid amount of fresh snowfall overnight and it is extremely light and dry, even at village level. Weatherwise it couldn't be a better day with little in the way of wind and nice blue sky over the resort. With all this snow in the last few days the groomers are skiing superbly and likewise the off piste areas have plenty of unpacked powder to play around in. Tomorrow is looking like it will be sunny again and the cream on the pudding will be a good dump of snow tomorrow evening if the forecast proves to be correct. Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 22nd February 2017 Total snowfall at base 500cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 66 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (8th November) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 19 days December 2016 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days January 2017 snowfall 126cm reported on 15 day February 2017 snowfall 86cm reported on 12 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Furano. 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 14cm Snowfall at base this season 993cm Posted on Wednesday 22nd February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Morning from SHiga Kogen. And I don't think many words are necessary this morning. The storm has passed and the weather is fine and calm this morning. The sun is out. It is cold. Everywhere looks beautiful. And there's another 14cm of snow to add. It should be an excellent day to be here. The biggest problem is choosing where to ski or board. Oh, the problems we face. I hope some of you can be here to enjoy it. Shiga Kogen Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 22nd February 2017 Total snowfall at base 993cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 65 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 70cm (15th January) November 2016 snowfall 27cm reported on 5 days December 2016 snowfall 215cm reported on 18 days January 2017 snowfall 485cm reported on 24 days February 2017 snowfall 266cm reported on 19 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Shiga Kogen. 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 711cm Posted on Wednesday 22nd February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Good morning from Nozawa. Things have calmed down once again and as I put this report together we have a mix of blue sky and cloud this morning. If the local forecasts are right (not necessarily so!), the clouds may end up winning the day but for now it's bright and sunny in places. It's a good and cold start to the day as well, though set to warm up a bit (and more tomorrow - with a mix of rain/sleet/snow on the confused forecast... will depend on the temperatures. Cold please.) Early tracks this morning should be fun! Fresh snow reported by resort since yesterday morning: - Yamabiko: 5cm - Uenotaira: 9cm - Hikage: 7cm - Nagasaka: 5cm - Karasawa: 5cm Official snow depths: - Yamabiko: 380cm - Uenotaira: 290cm - Hikage: 200cm - Nagasaka: 190cm - Karasawa: 150cm Lifts operations: - All lifts operating except: - Yunomine pair (usually closed on weekdays) - Mizunashi triple (usually closed on weekdays) - Challenge pair (usually closed on weekdays) - Utopia pair (usually closed on weekdays) Courses not open today are: - Grand Prix Nozawa Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 22nd February 2017 Total snowfall at base 711cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 53 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 52cm (14th January) November 2016 snowfall 2cm reported on 2 days December 2016 snowfall 161cm reported on 14 days January 2017 snowfall 366cm reported on 20 days February 2017 snowfall 182cm reported on 17 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Nozawa Onsen. 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 812cm Weather overview Mostly clear Wind Slight Temperature - Visibility Excellent Posted on Wednesday 22nd February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Hello from Madarao. It's a fine morning in the region. Things have calmed down and the clouds have for the most part cleared leaving us with lots of blue sky and sunshine at the start of the day today. It's cold too, and conditions should be very fine on the mountain this morning. The forecast still talks of milder conditions tomorrow with some rain before hopefully quickly once again turning into snow... Madarao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 22nd February 2017 Total snowfall at base 812cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 50 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 53cm (on 14th and 15th January) November 2016 snowfall 9cm reported on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 211cm reported on 14 days January 2017 snowfall 408cm reported on 23 days February 2017 snowfall 184cm reported on 19 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Madarao. 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 549cm Posted on Wednesday 22nd February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Some blue skies and sun at times through the day yesterday and just slightly over 1cm of fresh snow on ground by base to report to you all this morning. I see the Avalanche Report is reporting 10-15cm in places higher up. It was very cold overnight and is keeping cold at the moment which is all important. And after just saying that, it does seem to be the case that tomorrow will be milder during the daytime but with snow starting to fall once again later on. And then fingers crossed we'll see some consistent snow through Friday and over the weekend. There's quite a lot of blue sky now and the sun is out. It should be a lovely morning. Things seem calm this morning and all lifts will be opening so I expect a rush to get up top. That's about it really for today I think. Until tomorrow! --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -9℃, light snowfall. Moiwa 800m: -8.6℃m, W2.9m/s (20.2m/s at 2pm and 16.2m/s at 6pm yesterday), 10cm snowfall. Annupuri 1150m: -13℃, W13m/s, 15cm snowfall. Hirafu 1250m: -9℃, light breeze and light snowfall. Kamui cape lighthouse: SW9m/s, 1022hPa, 2.0m waves. The isobars are spreading out and the wind is calming down, The wind’s peak reached 20.2m/s at 2:20pm yesterday at 800m elevation in the west-side of the mountain, stagnating below 12m/s after 6pm. The snowdrifts that developed under this storm is consolidating and no outstanding instability has been observed during this morning’s pressure test. The general avalanche risk is lowering, however slides are still to be expected in leeward knolls and cornice slopes with large snowdrift development around 1100m elevation. Extended stimulation could trigger an avalanche any time. Expected sliding layer is Feb 17th hoar layer. Gate 1 and 4 will be kept closed during the morning, but 2, 3, 5 and 8 are expected to open. Please follow the ski patrol’s instructions. Do not duck ropes to enter O-sawa, Fujiwara-no-sawa, or any other area that are restricted. Today’s snow is fantastic. --- Official resort snow depths as of Wednesday 22nd February 2017: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 315cm Base - 120cm Niseko Village Top - 300cm Base - 140cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 315cm Base - 140cm --- Night skiing is planned until Monday 20th March 2017 at the Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Village resort areas. There is no nighta in the Hanazono area. Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 22nd February 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 549cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 68 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (16th December) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 181cm reported on 22 days January 2017 snowfall 152cm reported on 18 days February 2017 snowfall 106cm reported on 14 days Previous report Next report 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Naeba region of Niigata New snowfall at base 23cm Snowfall at base this season 951cm Posted on Tuesday 21st February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Naeba everybody. So yesterday's dreaded rain did come through and it rained fairly hard for a large proportion of the day. The good news though is that this rain turned to snow in the evening and it has snowed hard all night! Even now the snow is still coming down pretty hard. I believe the technical term is "puking it down"! As a result, we have fresh snow all over the mountain. Please do take care as this is fresh snow on top of ice so you definitely don't want to misjudge a turn today. At the moment the gondola to the top and the lifts at the top of the mountain are on hold waiting to be cleared to open once ski patrol gives the all clear. These lifts may or may not open today depending on ski patrols safety judgment. The weather forecast is currently predicting snow for the next couple of days with potentially some ran on Thursday morning. Fingers crossed it doesn't come to that! Fruity! Naeba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Tuesday 21st February 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 951cm Number of days snowfall observed 56 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 80cm (15th January) November 2016 snowfall 17cm observed on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 150cm observed on 14 days January 2017 snowfall 550cm observed on 23 days February 2017 snowfall 234cm observed on 15 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Naeba. 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. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com