Niseko Now: Tuesday 16th January 2018
- Jan 16, 2018
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 7cm
Snowfall at base this season 692cm
Posted on Tuesday 16th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Since early morning yesterday, I hereby add 7cm of fresh snowfall at my near Hirafu base measuring point.
(Apologies if some of you were confused by my reporting of 0cm when the report went up yesterday around noon time. I thought I explained that and it wasn't meant to confuse - just trying to keep things on a regular time cycle ie. how much new snow at the start of each morning).
There has been some snow falling in places early this morning but it's not the kind (for now anyway) that is likely going to add anything significant, and we're not expecting much today.
Things are going to be keeping on the milder side of things over the next few days - hopefully not too much of course - with cloudy conditions expected today with the chance of some sun, and more sun tomorrow. Actually, as I am about to post this at 8:30am there are some small areas of blue sky starting to appear...
It will be interesting to see how the snow conditions are this morning.
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Niseko Avalanche Report:
Niseko base 6.00am: -5°, trace new snow, calm. Annupuri 1150m: -11.3°, W4.9m/s, groomers in good condition. Hirafu 1250m: -11°, E5m/s, 5cm new snow, good visibility. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NW12m/s. Kamui Cape: WSW10m/s,1017hPa, wave 2.1m.
The low pressure system has moved out into the Pacific, the isobars interval is widening and winds at higher elevations are light. A westerly wind of 15m/s continued above 800m last night causing cornice and snowdrift development. Tests fractured at 30cm but should be stabilised by the morning. From observation the general avalanche risk has begun to fall. Peak gates are expected to be open. Please listen to the patrols advice before leaving the ski area.
The snow on leeward slopes above 800m has been reset. Some tracks remain but the riding is good. Avalanche risk will remain higher on SE slopes above 1100m for a while. Avoid simultaneous riding and traversing on steep slopes. Cracks are beginning to occur everywhere on steep slopes. Although cracked slopes will not suddenly slide, cracks cant be seen from above. Beware falling in them, they are about 5m deep.
Do not duck ropes to ride off the runs. Once there is one track others will follow increasing probability of an accident. Resort users must always obey Niseko Rules, not just when its convenient. The Rules are for your freedom and safety riding out of bounds. Always use gates to enter out of bounds areas. Have a good day.
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Tuesday 16th January 2018
Resort specific information (operations subject to change):
Niseko Grand Hirafu & Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Lifts scheduled to be operating:
- All lifts apart from King Number 2 should be operating
- 'Early Morning' services from 8:00am until 8:20am (Ace Number 2 Center Four quad lift). Until 28th January. 500 yen special ticket required.
Official snow depth:
- Top: 370cm
- Base: 170cm
Niseko Annupuri Kokusai
Lifts scheduled to be operating:
- All lifts are generally operating
- The Gondola is going to be delayed opening this morning
Official snow depth:
- Top: 280cm
- Base: 170cm
Niseko Village
Lifts scheduled to be operating:
- All lifts apart from the Country Road Chair lift should be operating
- 'Early Gondola' service from 7:30am until 8:30am (Niseko Gondola). January 20th-21st, 27th-28th; February 3rd-4th. 1,400 yen special ticket required.
Official snow depth:
- Top: 270cm
- Base: 180cm
Niseko Now 2017-2018 season |
Data as of Tuesday 16th January 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 692cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 50 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (21st December) November 2017 snowfall 188cm reported on 11 days December 2017 snowfall 406cm reported on 27 days January 2018 snowfall 98cm 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.