Daily reports
from Niseko
Last Updated:
Saturday 4th February 2012, 7:58AM
BACK

New snowfall:
20cm
Previous day:
190 cm (base), 350 cm (top) Grand Hirafu snow depths
Snow depth:
200 cm (base), 365 cm (top) Grand Hirafu snow depths
Temp bottom:
-8
Temp top:
-13
Weather:
Snowing
Wind condition:
0-5 m/ps
Visibility:
Poor
Lift operation:
All lifts should be operating on time.

Saturday 4th February 2012, 7:58AM

Weather conditions:
Snowing
New snowfall:
20cm

Report:
Well it snowed the most overnight last night than any night this past week. Looks like it will be a good day out there mixed with yesterday's snowfall.

It is expected to snow most of the day and for us to get a bit more snow tomorrow. The forecast is looking mixed at the moment. It's a battle between high and low pressure to see which one sticks around and brings us snow or clear skies. It looks like Tuesday could be the best snowfall day of the week.

Please keep in mind that we had a very bad layer form during our "dry spell" and any new snow will have difficulties bonding to it. These are south facing aspects largely. North facing didn't quite get hit with the sun so we may not see that sun crust layer, especially on higher elevation areas.

With a fresh blanket of snow, I expect the resort will be busy. If you get out there early, you will have a better chance at getting the fresh stuff. It's much better to push it earlier in the day and then kick back with an onsen and (insert your favorite alcoholic beverage here). Enjoy the day, stay safe, and have fun.

Current Official Snow Depths:

Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 365cm
Bottom - 200cm

Niseko Village:
Top - 390cm
Bottom - 240cm

Annupuri:
Top - 400cm
Bottom - 220cm


Niseko Avalanche Report:

Moiwa base 6am: -9℃, 20cm new snow in the last 12 hours. 35cm in the last 24hours. No new development of snowdrifts.
Benkei Cape: WNW 8m/s. Kamui Cape: wave 1.3m, pressure 1010hpa. Niseko Annapuri Peak WSW 5.3m/s, temp -15.1℃.
SnowTransition: With the passing of a small low pressure system snow crystals have continued to fall. Afterf the wind on 3rd Feb, the 2nd Feb layer is expected to be the next significant layer in the snowpack. Snow drift development has been minimal. Snowpack stability is good from the 22nd Jan layer to 2nd Feb layer.
Hazard Evaluation: The risk of avalanches must always be considered on south facing cornice slopes. Overall the avalanche risk is low. The snow from this cold low pressure system is subarashii(great!)
Caution: It is always possible to trigger an avalanche from deep within the snowpack.
Gates: The peak gates are expected to open at 9.30am. Please respect the ski patrols decision. Once you pass through the gates you are not in the ski resort anymore. Please re check the avalanche report before you pass through the gates.
Have a safe day.

------

Friday 3rd February 2012, 7:32PM

Weather conditions:
Snowing
New snowfall:
--

Report:
Good news - it's snowing pretty hard now! Looks like we have accumulated about 14cm since this afternoon and it just started coming down at a faster rate. The snow density is pretty low, which means that light powder we all love. Today was pretty good at the resort...better than expected at least. Looks like tomorrow will definitely be a good one. I would recommend getting out there early, because there will be a lot of competition to get the fresh tracks.

------

Friday 3rd February 2012, 8:23AM

Weather conditions:
Snowing
New snowfall:
10cm

Report:
Well, the good news this morning is that we are seeing some pretty good snowfall at the moment. There wasn't much overnight, but there was some. Hopefully this low pressure is reinforced and it continues to pickup snowfall. At this rate we could see up to 8cm per hour, but it has to continue for that to happen.

The snow density is pretty light so that will mean not quite as dangerous in terms of avalanches as heavy snow would be. However this doesn't take into effect any windloading or sun-baking.

The peak gates will probably not open today so you will have to search in bounds or in the slackcountry of Annupuri to find some goods. The Annupuri bowls could be really good today as they weren't subject to as much sun as some of the other areas.

It looks like tomorrow we should get some snow as well, but the amount is unknown. Local weather is showing a 70-80% chance of precipitation which usually translates to a good covering for fresh tracks.

Current Official Snow Depths:

Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 350cm
Bottom - 190cm

Niseko Village:
Top - 380cm
Bottom - 230cm

Annupuri:
Top - 395cm
Bottom - 220cm

Niseko avalanche report:

Moiwa base 6am: -9℃ 10cm of new snowfall, Hirafu Base lots of snowfall, 40cm in the last 24 hours.
Benkei Cape WNW 13m/s, Kamui Cape wave 1.9m, pressure 1010hpa, Peak NW 12.2m/s temp -17.4℃.
Snowfall: In the last 24 hours a weak NW wind has continued, cornice and snowdrift development has been slow. The snowfall has increased overnight, especially on the Hirafu side of the mountain.
Hazard Evaluation: Avalanche risk on ridge lines and in the trees is low, however the new snowdrifts are continuing to stabilize. On leeward cornice slopes above 800m, coordinates E6 F5 H8 there is a possiblity of avalanche from the 2 Feb layer. Below 750m at coordinates G3 on south facing slopes the possibility of a 100cm fracture from the 22 Jan layer continues.
Caution: Above 1000m elevation and also in areas around the coordinates given above, there is the risk of soft slab avalanche 50cm-70cm in thickness over a large area, from the 2nd Feb layer. In poor vivsiblity be careful traversing under cornices. The snow is reset in the trees on west side of the mountain, fast on the east side, less snow on the north side.
Gates: Peak gates (2&3)are expected to be closed. Please respect the ski patrols descision.
Have a safe day.

------

Other daily reports:
SJ MOBILE

For full archives and more information on our reporting, please visit the Now! reports section on the main Snow Japan site.
Copyright
SnowJapan.Com