Niseko Now: Sunday 15th December 2013
- Dec 15, 2013
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 35cm
Snowfall at base this season 266cm
Posted on Sunday 15th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
The snow and cold conditions continue here in Niseko, and there has been at least another 35cm of snowfall at base since my last report.
Kind of disappointing that the official snow depth numbers don't reflect all this new snow, perhaps apart from Niseko Grand Hirafu - the others seem to be stalling at much lower numbers for some reason. But believe me, it is out there and lots of it.
Yesterday was a fantastic day. What more can I say. More people have been turning up to come and enjoy what Niseko has to offer, though the peak season crowds aren't here quite yet. It was great to get out for nighta for the first time too.
The snow is forecast to continue through today and into tomorrow, with things set to settle down from Tuesday.
The only thing that is going to dampen things today is those strong winds. No stranger to our Niseko reports, but strong winds on the mountain today are affecting lift operations. Annupuri reporting winds up to 20m/s, Hirafu up to 15m/s. The top two lifts at Hanazono; Swinging Monkey and King Number 3 Triple at Niseko Grand Hirafu; Niseko Gondola at Niseko Village; Gondola and Jumbo Number 3 lifts at Niseko Annupuri... are all not moving at the time of writing. As ever with the weather, things can change. But windy conditions are forecast for the day.
At Hirafu the Super Course opens today (super!), as well as the Furiko Course.
At Utopia, Silver, Shirakaba, Merchen, Paradise, Junior, Challenge, Dynamic and Family courses are now open.
It won't be long now hopefully until we can simply declare that the whole mountain is open.
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Planned lift operations - some affected by wind today:
Grand Hirafu:
Ace Family Pair
Ace Number 3 Pair
Ace Number 2 Quad Center Four
King Number 3 Triple
Swinging Monkey
Hirafu Gondola
Holiday Number 1 Pair
Hanazono:
Hanazono Number 1 Quad
Hanazono Number 2 Quad
Hanazono Number 3 Quad
Niseko Village:
Niseko Gondola
Community Chair
Banzai Chair
Morino Chair
Annupuri:
Gondola
Jumbo Number 1 quad
Jumbo Number 2
Jumbo Number 3
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Niseko base 6am: -6C, 12 hours snowfall 30cm of crystal snow. Moiwa 500m: NW12m/s, -7C, 50cm of fresh and moderate development of snowdrifts. Coastal data: NW16m/s, 2.5m waves, 1006hPa.
Intermittent & moderate snowfall is persisting due to the stagnating low-pressure system. Snowdrifts and cornices are developing above 1000m treeline and the snowpack is yet to stabilize. Small slides (though big enough to be buried and asphyxiated) are to be considered in steep slopes.
The snow accumulation is still insufficient and it will take a bit more time to set the gates. Please refrain from ducking ANY ropes. One track left under a rope would lead many others to do the same and increase the chances of accidents. Ducking ropes is strongly prohibited by the Niseko Rules.
Avalanche accidents mostly occur during or just after storms. Do not overestimate your knowledge and skills; stay humble towards the mountain and always think safety first. Be careful of bushes and stumps and pay attention to the ski patrol’s advices. The snow is in an excellent condition again today. Have a nice day!
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Official snow depth numbers:
Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 220cm
Base - 90cm
Niseko Village:
Top - 110cm
Base - 70cm
Annupuri:
Top - 110cm
Base - 80cm
Niseko Now 2013-2014 season |
Data as of Sunday 15th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 266cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 20 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 35cm (14th and 15th December) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 143cm 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.