Niseko Now: Friday 17th January 2014
- Jan 17, 2014
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 10cm
Snowfall at base this season 735cm
Posted on Friday 17th January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Some days it is of course colder than others, and this morning is one of those. Mightily cold this morning and it's down well into minus double digits, even here at Hirafu base area. Resorts on the mountain are reporting temperatures of -16C on upper areas. An extra layer is called for this morning.
But it will be worth it.
While we 'only' have 10-15cm of fresh snow to report this morning, we are treated to blue skies. Just a few white fluffy clouds here and there. Lovely. It should be a truly excellent day. Cameras recommended.
Forecast is for continued clearer conditions than we have had in the last week or so, less snowfall and perhaps more sun. Temperatures to remain suitably low though through the weekend and into next week.
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As you may have heard, there was an avalanche incident out on the mountain yesterday, apparently in the back bowl near the summit of Annupuri. Three people were buried and for some time it was feared there might not be a good ending. Happily though the day ended without any fatalities. It's worth pointing out this was outside of the resort area and people who venture out do so entirely at their own risk. And should only be doing so either with guides or others who know the area and are prepared, for their own sake. The temptations and excitement are there, but care and clear thinking is needed. Take care out there.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Niseko base 6am: -14C, 10cm of crystal snow in 12hours. Moiwa800m: -11C, 20cm of fresh with snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -13C waves, 1019hPa.
Calm morning as a high-presure system approaches and the isobars spacing out. Overnight snowfall is small, however late night wind and snow made some snowdrifts develop in some areas. Backbowl sidewalls and Higashi-One areas are still unstable and possibilities of 40cm thick slab avalanche are to be considered. These slides would be larger than the one happened yesterday, stay away from valley bottoms as avalanches run through there. Traversing across under cornices of big slopes is simply stupid and ridiculous. It is like deliberately trying to cause an avalanche. Please think about what would happen to you and the people below you if it slides. General avalanche risk is low except in 1100m cornice slopes. Peak gates will open from the morning. Ski patrols are worn out with yesterday’s rescue, please be prudent and be wise. Excellent snow condition today; have a good one.
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Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing:
Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 420cm
Base - 210cm
Niseko Village:
Top - 320cm
Base - 220cm
Annupuri:
Top - 270cm
Base - 210cm
Niseko Now 2013-2014 season |
Data as of Friday 17th January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 735cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 48 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 337cm reported on 17 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.