Niseko Now: Wednesday 10th January 2018
- Jan 10, 2018
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 6cm
Snowfall at base this season 643cm
Posted on Wednesday 10th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Happily, yesterday is over and we can begin today! I measured 6cm of fresh snow to report to you this morning here near Hirafu base. There will surely be more than that on the mountain - and quite possibly in other places around lower down too - as strong winds were blowing yesterday.
I am happy to report that it is snowing nicely at the moment.
The new 6cm brings my snowfall over the first 10 reports of January up to 49cm. That is definitely a slow down from that excite pace that we experienced in November and December. Not to worry, it's just an observation! The forecast is showing steady regular snow through into the weekend so fingers crossed we can get back to larger numbers.
It still feels a little windy this morning, and at the time of this report going live top lifts are affected. Info updated below.
Take care out there.
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Niseko Avalanche Report:
Niseko base 6am: -6℃, 15cm snowfall, stormy and snow drifts developing. Moiwa 800m: -8.7℃, W16m/s, big storm, cornices and snowdrifts developing. Annupuri 1150m: -13℃, max wind W37m/s, large snowdrift development. Hirafu 1250m: -13℃, development of wind-packed snowdrifts. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW19m/s, Kamui cape WSW16m/s, 993hPa, 3.4m waves.
A strong westerly wind has picked up as the low-pressure system moved east, making snowdrifts and cornices drastically develop in leeward aspects. Those snowdrifts are very unstable, 60cm thick slab above yesterday’s hail layer slid during this morning’s pressure test. The overall avalanche hazard is extremely high today.
Snowdrifts patches and hard wind-blown ice are alternately present. Snowdrifts are densely wind-packed with ripples. Past accident in Osawa (Annupuri bowl) has occurred during similar conditions. Peak gates, Annupuri No8, Hanazono No5 and Moiwa No6 gates will be closed. Please obey the ski patrol’s instructions.
Windpacked snowdrifts may look stable, however once cracked, they can turn into a large slide. Avalanche accidents mostly occur during and just after storms. The snow condition is ever changing. Better not push it today.
Heavy and dense wind-affected snow is unevenly present in the trees below 800m. Catchy snow and easy to loose control. Beware. The weather will get better soon.
Please respect the Niseko Rules.
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Wednesday 10th January 2018
Resort specific information (operations subject to change):
Niseko Grand Hirafu & Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Lifts scheduled to be operating:
- All lifts are generally operating
- The top Ace Number 4, King Number 4 and Hanazono Number 3 quad lifts are on hold at the start of the day due to weather
- 'Early Morning' services from 8:00am until 8:20am (Ace Number 2 Center Four quad lift). Until 28th January. 500 yen special ticket required.
Official snow depth:
- Top: 340cm
- Base: 160cm
Niseko Annupuri Kokusai
Lifts scheduled to be operating:
- All lifts are generally operating
- The Annupuri Gondola and top Jumbo Number 4 lifts are on hold at the start of the day due to weather
Official snow depth:
- Top: 270cm
- Base: 160cm
Niseko Village
Lifts scheduled to be operating:
- All lifts except Country Road Chair are generally operating
- The Niseko Gondola and top Wonderland lifts are on hold at the start of the day due to weather
- 'Early Gondola' service from 7:30am until 8:30am (Niseko Gondola). January 13th-14th, 20th-21st, 27th-28th; February 3rd-4th. 1,400 yen special ticket required.
Official snow depth:
- Top: 260cm
- Base: 160cm
Niseko Now 2017-2018 season |
Data as of Wednesday 10th January 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 643cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 45 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (21st December) November 2017 snowfall 188cm reported on 11 days December 2017 snowfall 406cm reported on 27 days January 2018 snowfall 49cm 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.