Niseko Now: Monday 16th January 2017
- Jan 16, 2017
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 8cm
Snowfall at base this season 363cm
Posted on Monday 16th January 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Nice morning yesterday but snow was falling in the afternoon as expected and this morning I have slightly over 8cm of fresh snowfall to report to you on the ground here at base.
It is noticeably warmer too this morning and something of a contrast with the extreme cold of recent days. Lots of cloud around and light snow falling at times this morning though not right at this moment at base (though it looks like it probably is higher up).
Wind is going to be a factor today and at the start of the day the top lifts are on hold at each of the resort areas. More details below as always.
The forecast for the coming days still isn't looking particularly snowy at the moment and we can perhaps expect some periods of sunshine at times. Hopefully there might be some minor top-ups as well to keep things in decent condition.
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Niseko Avalanche Report:
Niseko base 5am: -2℃, 10cm snowfall. Moiwa 800m: -4℃, 20cm snowfall with snowdrifts developments. Annupuri 1150m: -10℃, N18m/s, snowdrifts up to 100cm in west area. Hirafu1250m:-6℃, N15m/s, light snowfall with snowdrift development. Kamui cape lighthouse: ENE10m/s, 1005hPa, 3.6m waves.
Although the weather pattern is typical winter, a small Low is located around Shakotan peninsula is making the wind and snow shift easterly. The temperature is relatively high. The snowdrifts developed in the western areas are from the Low pressure snowfall. The wind below 1000m elevation has been stagnating around 12m/s and the snowpack is relatively stable. However, the easterly wind formed some slabs in Kozan no Sawa (Backbowl) sidewalls (1200m) making the avalanche risk high. The west-facing slopes below 1000m is blanketed with heavy wind-affected snow. Stimulating the knolls and cornices may trigger a slide. Beware.
Beware of sudden weather changes. Thunderclouds may develop and lightning may fall especially along the ridgeline. Try to throw away metal and carbon equipment get down low if you feel electricity in the air. Better not go up high today. Gates opening is undecided. Follow the patrol's instructions and never duck ropes.
There will be no Avalanche Info tomorrow. The ski patrol will evaluate the risks and decide gates’ opening. Please respect the Niseko Rules.
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Resort specific opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day):
Niseko Grand Hirafu
The upper Ace Number 3 and 4 and King Number 3 and 4 lifts are on hold at the start of the day due to wind conditions.
Niseko HANAZONO Resort
The top Hanazono Number 3 lift is on hold at the start of the day due to wind conditions.
Niseko Village
The Niseko Gondola and top Wonderland Chair lift are on hold at the start of the day due to wind conditions.
The Country Road lift looks on mysteriously. ;)
Niseko Annupuri
The Annupuri Gondola and top Jumbo Number 4 lift are on hold at the start of the day due to wind conditions.
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Official resort snow depths as of Monday 16th January 2017:
Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono
Top - 260cm
Base - 100cm
Niseko Village
Top - 200cm
Base - 120cm
Niseko Annupuri
Top - 210cm
Base - 120cm
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Night skiing is planned until Monday 20th March 2017 at the Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Village resort areas. There is no nighta in the Hanazono area.
Niseko Now 2016-2017 season |
Data as of Monday 16th January 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 363cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 45 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (16th December) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 181cm reported on 22 days January 2017 snowfall 72cm reported on 9 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.