Niseko Now: Wednesday 12th March 2014
- Mar 12, 2014
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 5cm
Snowfall at base this season 1139cm
Posted on Wednesday 12th March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
It's another 5cm of so of fresh snow this morning. The sun is out, it's calm and it's a fine morning.
Clouds are due to move back in later in during the day and we may see some more snowfall overnight.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Niseko base 6am: -10C, 5cm of new snow in 12 hours. Moiwa 800m: -11C, 15cm of fresh and light development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: -11C, 10cm of fresh with light development of snowdrifts, snowpack 320cm. Hirafu 1000m: -10C, 10cm of fresh, calm weather. Peak 1308m: N2.9m/s, -12.1C. Coastal data: cape Benkei calm, cape Kamui S2m/s, 0.5m waves, 1020hPa.
The isobars are spaced out and the weather is calm. No notable development of snowdrifts has been observed and the general avalanche risk is low. Peak gates will open from the morning. Hard slabs are forming in some areas above 1100m and could slide with ski stimulation. Stay cautious. The snow in the trees has been reset and is in wonderful conditions. Beware of cracks; it is strongly recommended to carry a rope in case you or your partner falls into one. Put a ski or something hard under and perpendicular to the rope when pulling the victim up. Can you make a bowline knot?
Cornice fall is a permanent hazard, and skiing out of bounds involves many other risks. Better not overestimate skills and knowledge; remain humble and prudent towards the mountain. Seek for the ski patrol’s advice before stepping out of the gate. Have a nice day.
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Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing:
Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 410cm
Base - 205cm
Niseko Village:
Top - 390cm
Base - 220cm
Annupuri:
Top - 395cm
Base - 200cm
Niseko Now 2013-2014 season |
Data as of Wednesday 12th March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1139cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 90 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 102cm 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.