Niseko Now: Saturday 18th January 2020
- Jan 18, 2020
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 9cm
Snowfall at base this season 437cm
Posted on Saturday 18th January 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Did anyone have any fun out there on the Niseko slopes yesterday? I know I sure did. Very nice. That's what we love.
It was snowing during the day and as a result I have another 9cm of snowfall to add to my reports this morning from base.
I wouldn't be surprised if there was maybe up to around 50-60cm of fresh on upper areas over the last two days.
It has been a cloudy-overcast start to the day, but clearer sunny skies are forecast for the day with just a light wind. So perhaps it will gradually continue to clear as the morning progresses.
We are expecting a generally calm weekend. It is keeping nice and cold, and more fresh snow is due to be with us from around Monday. That all sounds good to me.
Take care and have fun, it should be another good one. I'll see you tomorrow.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Mountain base: -9℃, 5cm snowfall in 12h, calm. Moiwa 800m: 318°(NW) 2.3m/s, -9.4℃, 10cm snowfall. Hirafu 1000m: 333°(NNW) 2.7m/s, -9.4℃. Hanazono 720m: 342°(NNW) 2.0m/s, -9.3℃. Niseko Village Mizuno-no-sawa 900m: 269°(W) 0.5m/s, -10.9℃. Sea of Japan Benkei cape: W3m/s, Kamui cape: WSW2m/s, 1020hPa, 1.0m waves. Annupuri 1000m snow depth 140cm.
Cold air is flowing in from a high-pressure system. The isobars are spread out and the weather is calm over the ocean and the mountains. There are no notable developments of snowdrifts. Observations and data evaluations show that the general avalanche risk is low today. Peak gates are scheduled to open from the morning. Listen to the ski patrol’s advice and “always” use gates to access the out of bounds areas. Do not cross boundary ropes.
10cm of fresh snow can be found around 800m elevation. A fast kind of snow, unaffected by the wind, in contrary, wind-blown storm-snow is slower. The snow amount is still small, beware of falling into creeks. It’s recommended to carry at least a shovel and a short rope just in case. Snow sports are inherently dangerous, even more in unmanaged mountain areas. Better not underestimate the risk, being prudent is key to avoid accidents.
Have a nice day.
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Niseko Grand Hirafu
Official snow depth (reported by resort):
- Peak: 230cm
- Base: 100cm
All lifts are normally operating EXCEPT:
- King Number 2 quad lift (normally rested)
All courses normally open
Lifts scheduled for late operations:
- Ace Family quad until 8:30pm
- Ace Number 2 Center Four quad until 8:20pm
- Hirafu Gondola until 8:10pm
- Holiday Number 1 pair until 8:30pm
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Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Official snow depth (reported by resort):
- Peak: 160cm
- Base: 110cm
All lifts are normally operating
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Niseko Annupuri
Official snow depth (reported by resort):
- Peak: 155cm
- Base: 95cm
All lifts are normally operating
Lift scheduled for late operations:
- Jumbo Number 1 quad until 8:30pm
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Niseko Village
Official snow depth (reported by resort):
- Peak: 165cm
- Base: 105cm
All lifts normally operating EXCEPT:
- Country Road (normally rested)
Lifts scheduled for late operations:
- Annupuri Village Gondola until 8:00pm
- Village Express until 8:00pm
- Banzai Chair until 8:00pm
Niseko Now 2019-2020 season |
Data as of Saturday 18th January 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 437cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 44 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2019 snowfall 85cm reported on 10 days December 2019 snowfall 207cm reported on 21 days January 2020 snowfall 145cm reported on 13 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.