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Niseko Now! Independent weather and snow reports direct from Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan.
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Last Updated : Saturday 4th February 2012, 7:58AM |
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| Lastest Update: Saturday 4th February 2012, 7:58AM |
| New snowfall |
20cm |
| Previous
day |
190 cm (base), 350 cm (top) Grand Hirafu snow depths |
| Current snow depth |
200 cm (base), 365 cm (top) Grand Hirafu snow depths |
| Temperature bottom |
-8 |
| Temperature top |
-13 |
| Weather condition |
Snowing |
| Wind condition |
0-5 m/ps |
| Visibility |
Poor |
| Lift operation |
All lifts should be operating on time. |
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| Saturday 4th February 2012, 7:58AM |
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| Weather conditions: |
Snowing |
| New snowfall: |
20cm |
| Snow depth: |
200 cm (base), 365 cm (top) Grand Hirafu snow depths |
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. |
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| Friday 3rd February 2012, 7:32PM |
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| Weather conditions: |
Snowing |
| New snowfall: |
-- |
| Snow depth: |
-- |
| 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. |
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| Friday 3rd February 2012, 8:23AM |
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| Weather conditions: |
Snowing |
| New snowfall: |
10cm |
| Snow depth: |
190 at base, 350 at top (Grand Hirafu) |
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. |
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| Thursday 2nd February 2012, 7:19PM |
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| Weather conditions: |
Cloudy |
| New snowfall: |
5cm |
| Snow depth: |
170 at base, 330 at top (Grand Hirafu) |
Sorry for the late report today.
Yesterday didn't bring us much. It did get a little warm and froze overnight. There is now a pretty strong sun layer affecting most aspects, especially those that face south. Without new snow, these layers will persist to be hard and possibly prove to be an annoyance when it comes to avalanche stability.
Throughout today we have seen pretty high winds and occasional snowfall. There is still some nice snow facing North, but the Niseko area got wind affected in the spots that didn't get hit by the sun. If you look hard enough and hike far enough, you will definitely find some fresh and deep spots. These are few and far between right at the moment but they do exist!
Currently, it is snowing pretty heavily. The winds have died down a little bit. We aren't expecting a ton of snowfall tonight. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday could bring us some snowfall in decent amounts. There is a bit of uncertainty with this forecast as the local weather is displaying no confidence about it. It could mean more or less snow, but snow nonetheless. The good news is cold temperatures are supposed to stick around and any precipitation will be snow without a doubt. Take a few days and explore where you want to go so that when the snow does fall, you will be able to hit everything you want.
The snowfall numbers for Kutchan town for the month of January 2012 ended up being 290cm. That's actually a fair bit less than last year when we saw 420cm for the month, but if you remember our December 2011 was pretty good and easy beat last season. So we are still 'beating' last season overall so far up until now. May February be a snowy one! The target? Last year we got 142cm in Kutchan and so fingers crossed we beat that. Just a bit of fun. As always, remember that the number in Kutchan town does not represent the snowfall on the actual mountain resorts - which is certainly more and might be over half that amount again.
Current Official Snow Depths:
Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 330cm
Bottom - 170cm
Niseko Village:
Top - 380cm
Bottom - 230cm
Annupuri:
Top - 385cm
Bottom - 220cm
Niseko Avalance Report from this morning:
Kutchan Base 6am: -8.2℃, Annapuri Peak 17.8m/s temp -16.7℃. Wind picked up from yesterday afternoon, peaking at 23m/s.
Benkei cape NNE8m/s, Kamui Cape ENE 3m/s, 1006hpa, wave 1.4m. No new snowfall. Significant snowdrifting from strong winds.
Hazard Evaluation: From 3.00pm yesterday a strong northerly wind persisted accompanied by rapid, unstable snow drift and cornice development.
Coordinates C4, D5( Moiwa Bowl), Mikairi Bowl, F5, E6 (BackBowl), O-sawa cornice are unstable and dangerous. Use caution on steep slopes above 1100m there is potential for a skier triggered shallow hard slab avalanche. Drifting snow has deposited on leeward slopes, beware of a large scale avalanche on these slopes. Most accidents happen in bad weather or shortly after.
Gates: Gates 2 & 3 are closed today. Gate 6 is also expected to be closed. Avalanches occur regardless of the amount of snowfall, use caution. Please respect the ski patrols decisions.
There have been many cases of people getting lost recently, once you go through the gates you are not in the resort anymore.
Please use caution and have a safe day.
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| Wednesday 1st February 2012, 7:31AM |
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| Weather conditions: |
Cloudy |
| New snowfall: |
0cm |
| Snow depth: |
190 at base, 365 at top (Grand Hirafu) |
With just a dusting of snow overnight in Niseko, so there isn't much fresh powder out there right at this moment. It got pretty warm yesterday so a lot of the lower elevation snow got crusty with last night's freeze. But there are still some spots of nice snow left. They face north and are at higher elevation.
It's a bit cloudy overhead here now at Niseko. The temperature is moderate and the winds are low to none. It looks like the low pressure has sunk in and should start snowing today and tonight. The forecast is looking like snow but still uncertain of exactly how much. The maritime climate here really likes to throw curveballs, but hopefully this one is in our favor.
If you are ready to hike, there are still some fresh lines out there. I would definitely recommend going out with someone else today since the visibility could quickly drop as the snow moves in. Talking from experience, it's never fun to get caught up in a snowstorm and lose sense of direction. I hope everyone finds their own private powder stash today, and if not...there's always tomorrow!
Current Official Snow Depths:
Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 365cm
Bottom - 190cm
Niseko Village:
Top - 380cm
Bottom - 230cm
Annupuri:
Top - 385cm
Bottom - 220cm
Niseko base 6am: -18.9℃, Annapuri Peak 4.2m/s temp -16.4℃. Very little snowfall in the last 12 hours, 5-10cm of drifted snow from a northerly wind.
The groomed runs are in fantastic condition.
Hazard Evaluation: Based on observations the avalanche risk is considered low today. However on faces such as Back Bowl east face around the ridges and cornices, and other typical avalanche terrain, avalanches must always be considered.
Caution: Do not look for fresh lines in Haru no Taki (J4) and Yu no Sawa (G3). Riding in these restricted areas is strictly prohibited by the Niseko Rules. Do not duck ropes, your pass will be taken.
Gates: Peak gates are expected to open at 9.30am. Please respect the ski patrols decision.
Note: Be careful of frostbite today, its cold out there. Do not duck ropes. Once you pass through the gates you are not in the ski resort anymore.
Have a safe day. |
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| Tuesday 31st January 2012, 5:55PM |
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| Weather conditions: |
Clear, blue sky |
| New snowfall: |
0cm |
| Snow depth: |
-- |
Today was a good one indeed. The Kiroro backcountry was loaded with fresh snow and blue skies. Niseko was really sunny and warm today, so we will definitely be need some more fresh snow. The weather is showing some low pressure moving in, but it isn't sure if it will be the large amount of snow we will need to cover up the hard layer.
This hard layer will also not fair well with avalanche conditions. It could exist for a long time if we get a freeze/thaw cycle before we get a decent amount of new snow.
Local Japanese weather is really unsure of the forecast, but it looks like there is precipitation later in the week.
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| Tuesday 31st January 2012, 7:57AM |
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| Weather conditions: |
Clear, blue sky |
| New snowfall: |
0cm |
| Snow depth: |
200 cm base, 375 cm top (Grand Hirafu) |
Since it got warm yesterday and froze overnight, it will be hard to find something without the hard layer this morning. Your best bet is to find the north facing aspects. Higher elevations will be best.
We are expecting some heavy snow later this week, but it isn't guaranteed. It should be a dry Siberian air storm meaning cold temps and light snow! Keep an eye out today for the weather changes as the low pressure creeps in. We saw some awesome conditions yesterday, but with sun comes snow damage.
Today might be a good one for resting unless you want to explore the resorts and find out where you want to ski when the snow comes. Once a new snow falls I would definitely advise to heed caution as it may create dangerous avalanche conditions. With no new snow overnight, you can expect it to be just a bit hard.
There are some nice blue skies above Niseko early this morning, so some great views on show.
Current Official Snow Depths:
Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 375cm
Bottom - 200cm
Niseko Village:
Top - 380cm
Bottom - 230cm
Annupuri:
Top - 380cm
Bottom - 220cm
Niseko Avalance Report:
Kuctchan base 6am: -12.5℃, Annapuri Peak SW6m/s temp -18.1℃
Snowfall: Hirafu, 800m elevation 5cm- 10cm, Annapuri 15cm-20cm. You can still see yesterdays tracks but the snow is good.
Caution: Generally the avalanche risk is low today, however use caution on steep slopes. Also, around 800m elevation on SE facing slopes, a faceted crystal layer at 105cm depth has been observed. This layer has not fully stabilzed yet, please use caution on similar facing slopes.
Gates: The peak gates are expected to open at 9.30am. Please respect the ski patrols decisions. Be aware of any sudden changes in weather.
Note: Please ski in control and beware of hitting trees. Do not duck ropes. Once you pass through the gates you are not in the ski resort anymore.
Have a safe day. |
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PLEASE NOTE:
The Avalanche Information posted in our reports is provided courtesy of the Niseko Avalanche Insitution. For more information as well as the Niseko Rules 2011/2012, please read this.
Click on photos to display original image size
Images displayed courtesy of Niseko Grand Hirafu |
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| ABOUT THESE REPORTS: |
The Now! daily reports on Snow Japan are here to give
our readers current snow and weather conditions in
popular snow resort regions of Japan. The people who
file these reports do their best to provide the most
in-depth and accurate reports possible. Information
is gathered locally by Now! reporters and is based
on personal observations and information received
directly from local ski resorts. Please note that
Snow Japan and the individuals posting the reports
take no responsibility for any decisions that readers
may take based on what is written in these reports.
Our advice is to always take care when you are in
the winter mountains and know that conditions are
ever changing in these environments.
Please click here for more information about our reporting
The Avalanche Information posted in our Niskeo Now reports is provided courtesy of the Niseko Avalanche Insitution. For more information as well as the Niseko Rules 2009/2010, please read this.
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