Niseko Now: Monday 11th February 2013
- Feb 11, 2013
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 10cm
Snowfall at base this season 1086cm
Weather overview Cloudy, light snow
Wind
OK
Temperature -7C base / -13C top
Visibility Variable
Posted at 9:01am on Monday 11th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Just a thin layer of light snow to report since yesterday in Niseko.
I'm pretty sure earlier on when I got up it was clear out there, but it's actually snowing now. Conditions can change really quickly. (Or perhaps I was imagining it!?)
The forecast seems to be snow showers on and off for the day and indeed tomorrow as well. It's coming down pretty good right at this moment though and visibility right now is fairly poor on the slopes.
Temps about same as yesterday and wind isn't affecting lifts apart from the Hanazono Number 3 and also the King Number 3 lift at Niseko Grand Hirafu operating at reduced speed. Possibly clearing up tomorrow and particularly on Wednesday, but it should stay cold.
JMA (Japan Meteorological Agency) snow fall numbers for Kutchan Town update time. So far in February 2013, 57cm has been recorded in Kutchan town. The total number for February last season was 216cm and the season before was 142cm. Let's see how that turns out come the end of the month.
Avalanche Information
Niseko base 6am: -12C, light snowfall, calm morning. Moiwa 800m: mild wind, no development of snowdrifts and -14C. Annupuri 1308m: SW3.5m/s, -16.3C. Coastal data: S4m/s, 0.8m waves and 1009hPa.
Looking at the past 12 hours weather transition, data and observations, the snowdrift development is small and the general avalanche risk is low.
Peak gates are scheduled to open at 9:30. Listen to the ski patrol's advice before stepping out the gates. Avalanches are not the only dangers in winter mountains. Be prudent and better not overestimate your gears and your skills.
Wind and snow is forecasted to pick up in areas above 800m as the low-pressure system passes. Visibility will turn bad. Do not duck ropes to access the out of bounds area. Strictly off-limits areas, Harunotaki and Yunosawa, are closed for a good reason, do not go in there for any reason. The Niseko Rules only exists to protect the freedom and the minimum safety of out of bounds riding.
Niseko Now 2012-2013 season |
Data as of Monday 11th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1086cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 72 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 443cm reported on 26 days February 2013 snowfall 107cm reported on 8 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.