Niseko Now: Tuesday 12th January 2021
- Jan 12, 2021
- 4 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 12cm
Snowfall at base this season 627cm
Posted on Tuesday 12th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Hello and good morning from Hirafu. Currently cold and cloudy. There is a hint of light blue up there in some directions, though we're not forecast clearer skies.
This morning there's more snow to report since yesterday, 12cm, and it continues to be cold.
Looking ahead the forecast is pretty much more of the same. More snow. Continued cold. I almost want it to change just so I can say more! ;)
Not currently sure why but: the Jumbo Number 3 lift at Niseko Annupuri is closed and the top lift at Niseko Village is on hold at the start of the day.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Coastal Data 6am. Cape Benkei:SSW3m/s. Cape Kamui: SSE6m/s, 1020hPa, wave 0.8m. Hanazono 1000m: -12.8℃, SSW8.6m/s. Hanazono 720: -10.2℃, SW4.8m/s. Moiwa 800m: n/a. Annupuri 1100m: -13.1℃, WSW3.0m/s. Yu no Sawa 1100m: -12.5℃, SW6.1m/s. Mizuno no Sawa 900m: -12.0℃, SSW3.4m/s. Kutchan Town: -10.3℃, NNW1.0m/s, snow depth 157cm, 1021.5hPa. Moiwa base: -12, 10cm snowfall in last 12hrs.
In front of the approaching low pressure system there is very little pressure gradient, the mountains and seas are calm. From the mountain base up to 1200m 10cm of light crystal snow has fallen, with minor cornice and snowdrift development. The general avalanche risk is low. Yesterday’s tracks are sparse but still visible. The new snow should make for smooth and easy riding. All gates are expected to be open. Please listen to the patrol's advice and be prepared before going out of bounds.
As the low pressure approaches temperatures will rise and the wind will pick up. From observation the current snow surface will form a Jan 12 weak layer under the new snow due to the temperature gradient. Be careful of a change in weather and snowfall. The groomers are all in good shape, we appreciate the grooming operators hard work every night. Helmets are not a fashion item, they protect you from lethal force. Please wear one. Is your beacon on?
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Planned ski area operations: Tuesday 12th January 2021
The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report.
Niseko Grand Hirafu
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 280cm (-10cm)
- Base: 165cm (-5cm)
Ski lifts operating:
- All planned lifts operating (see note below)
- Ace Family Quad, Ace Number 2 Center Four lifts operate for night skiing
Courses:
- All courses open
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Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 226cm (-4cm)
- Base: 170cm (-5cm)
Ski lifts operating:
- All three lifts operating
- There is no night skiing at Hanazono
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Niseko Annupuri
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 220cm (+20cm)
- Base: 150cm (+0cm)
Ski lifts operating:
- All lifts apart from Jumbo Number 2 operating during the daytime
- Jumbo Number 1 quad lift operates for night skiing
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Niseko Village
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 210cm (+0cm)
- Base: 150cm (+0cm)
Ski lifts operating:
- Gondola, Community Chair and Banzai Chair open this morning
- Village Express, Community Chair and Banzai Chair lifts operate for night skiing
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Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas until 7th March 2021.
There is no night skiing in the Niseko HANAZONO area.
The Ace Pair Number 1, 3 and 4, King Pair Number 1 lift and King Quad Number 2 lifts are being rested for the season at Niseko Grand Hirafu.
Niseko Now 2020-2021 season |
Data as of Tuesday 12th January 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 627cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 43 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (31st December) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 348cm reported on 25 days January 2021 snowfall 217 cm reported on 12 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.