Niseko Now: Monday 12th January 2015
- Jan 12, 2015
- 4 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 20cm
Snowfall at base this season 711cm
Posted on Monday 12th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Light snow falling outside now and there's another 20cm of snow outside. The Avalanche Report below says 30cm in Hirafu at 1000m. So another fine delivery of snow.
It doesn't feel too windy to me here, but then again I'm right down in the village. Higher up obviously there's some wind action going on and it's affecting our fun potential this morning again unfortunately...
Yes, weather conditions this morning are preventing the top lifts at all of the four resort areas from opening, so if you want to get between places this morning it's shuttle bus time folks. Probably best just to stick to one area.
Snow and wind are expected pretty much for the day today but it should ease off by opening tomorrow. A break from the snow and some sunshine is a real possibility tomorrow and particularly Wednesday with temperatures getting a little milder as well. Might just be me but it doesn't feel quite as cold this morning - my thermometer says -2 now.
When I started putting this report together a bit earlier it was just snowing lightly. It's coming down a bit heavier just now.
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I was talking with a friend yesterday about how long the season is here in Niseko, until early May. So there's just 112 or so more daily morning reports left to put together this season... that thought kept me awake a bit last night! I hope you'll all stay with me through until the end. Though please be warned that we don't get 20cm of fresh snow every day in April. Spring skiing does have it's appeal though, just a different kind.
For those interested in previous seasons, you can check out the Niseko Now archives going back quite a few years. Find them at the bottom of this (and every Niseko Now) page.
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Resort specific news at time of writing - subject to change during the day
Niseko Grand Hirafu:
King Number 3, King Number 4, Ace Number 4 lifts not moving due to weather conditions.
'Early Morning' lift available daily until 1st February (for 500 yen, Ace Quad Number 2 lift from 8am until 8:20am).
Niseko Hanazono:
Top Hanazono Number 3 lift not moving due to weather conditions.
Niseko Village:
Niseko Gondola and top Wonderland Chair lift not moving due to weather conditions.
'Early Morning Gondola' available Saturdays and Sundays until February 8th (for 1300 yen, Gondola open from 7:30am until 8:30am).
Niseko Annupuri:
Annupuri Gondola running at slower speed right now and the top Jumbo Number 4 lift temporarily suspended.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Niseko base 6am: -3C, 20cm snowfall in 12 hours, no development of snowdrifts. Moiwa 800m: -5C, N15m/s, 20cm fresh snow and 50cm of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: -6C, N13m/s, large development of snowdrifts. Hirafu 1000m: -5C, NE15m/s, 30cm snowfall with development of snowdrifts. Coastal data: Benkei cape ENE7m/s, Kamui cape SE3m/s, 1012hPa, 3.4m waves.
A small low-pressure system is passing and warm air is flowing in. The new snow is humid and snowdrifts have developed in various areas. A northerly wind is forecasted to pick up before noon and the avalanche risk will rise accordingly. Looking at the snowfall transition and other observations, potential trigger layer will be the low-pressure snowfall layer of Jan 11th. Gates 2 & 3 will be kept closed. 40cm surface slab avalanches are likely to occur in Osawa cornice slopes, Higashi-One area in the afternoon. Better not venture too far away from the resort today. It is strictly restricted to duck the ropes to access the out of bounds areas. One track under the rope will lead many others to do the same and raise the odds for accidents to happen. Please respect the Niseko Rules. Great snow can be found in the treeruns. The visibility will turn bad during the day, please beware of hitting trees. Have a safe day.
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Official snow depth numbers and any notes at time of writing:
Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 360cm
Base - 150cm
Niseko Village:
Top - 250cm
Base - 160cm
Niseko Annupuri:
Top - 230cm
Base - 180cm
Niseko Now 2014-2015 season |
Data as of Monday 12th January 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 711cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 41 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th and 26th December) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 162cm reported on 11 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.