Niseko Now: Monday 11th January 2016
- Jan 11, 2016
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 11cm
Snowfall at base this season 410cm
Posted on Monday 11th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Good morning from my secret base here in Hirafu where I have another 11cm of fresh powder to report since yesterday.
It's a very cold one today with the resorts reporting temperatures of -14C and -15C on upper areas. Brrrr. Be sure to be wrapped up well to go up there and face masks are recommended.
There don't seem to be wind issues at the start of the day with all of the four resorts open as planned. However, we are warned of the possibility of stronger winds and more storm-like conditions so keep that in mind.
The Niseko Grand Hirafu official snow depth numbers have actually taken a drop today even with the fresh snow. Perhaps it's all those naughty people making tracks and compacting the snow. ;)
Not to worry as the weekly forecast still has regular and consistent snowfall lined up for the coming week. There doesn't seem to be a let up in sight just yet.
Today is the last day of the long weekend in Japan, and the early morning services at Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri were until this morning. The Niseko Grand Hirafu early morning service will continue on until 31st January (more details in previous reports).
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Apologies for not mentioning this yet, but at Niseko Grand Hirafu the King Number 2 quad lift has been moving this weekend. (There were some interesting stories about that lift last year if you want to go check some archives, and it will be interesting to see if they will keep it running or just have it for holidays).
I thought I would this morning also mention the Free Ride Park that they have going on over there at Niseko Grand Hirafu. I'm not really into park myself, but for those who are here's what they have: 4m table top, 5m table top, 7m table top, 5m wide box, 5m narrow box, 5m down rail, 8m double down rail, 5m cylinder rail, 5m U-rail. I hope I have written them all correctly. Sounds interesting actually, perhaps I should go and give it a whirl. It's open from 10am until 4pm.
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Niseko Avalanche Report:
Niseko base 6am: -11℃, 20cm snowfall, no snowdrifts development.
Moiwa 750m: -13℃, WSW10m/s, 20cm snow, cornices/snowdrifts are developing.
Mikaeri turnoff: -13℃, W2.0m/s, 30cm snowfall with snowdrifts.
Anupuri 1150m: -15℃, W8m/s, scarce snowfall on the course, developing snowdrifts.
Hirafu 1200m: -15℃, stormy weather with poor visibility.
Benkei cape: NNW14m/s. Kamui cape: NNW10m/s, 1015hPa, 2.4m waves.
The winter pressure distribution is generating intermittent strong wind and snow in areas above 1000m as the isobars spacing shifts. The stabilization of the snowdrifts in slopes with cornice/knoll features is delayed and are highly likely to collapse. The overall avalanche hazard level is moderate to high, highest in leeside steep slopes above 1200m elevation.
The peak gates’ opening will be delayed and hinge upon lifts operation. Please follow the ski patrol’s instructions. Stay away from hazardous aspects. Coldest temperature of the season so far, beware of frostbites and hypothermia. Wind-affected soft snow has blanketed the tree runs. Cracks are opening and are hard to notice from above, be careful not to fall in one.
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Official resort snow depths as of Monday 11th January 2016:
Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono
Top - 280cm
Base - 125cm
Niseko Village
Top - 200cm
Base - 120cm
Niseko Annupuri
Top - 165cm
Base - 110cm
Niseko Now 2015-2016 season |
Data as of Monday 11th January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 410cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 31 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (26th and 28th December) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 105cm reported on 10 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.