Niseko Now: Monday 18th January 2021
- Jan 18, 2021
- 4 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 34cm
Snowfall at base this season 713cm
Posted on Monday 18th January 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Remember those blue skies yesterday morning? Lovely. And this morning it's a mix of cloud and some blue sky with the sun breaking through in places as I write this.
But guess what. In between we have been treated to some serious snowfall overnight. I am measuring 34cm of it and I see that Niseko Grand Hirafu is declaring 50cm of fresh snow (other areas showing less). But whatever the number... there's a lot across the mountain, so snow conditions should be really good this morning.
There is hardly any wind and it is a cold start.
In resort news, Niseko Grand Hirafu have announced that the Holiday Number 1 pair lift will be rested on weekdays (no planned re-opening date being said, so we should perhaps take that as being 'for the time being'). The Jumbo Number 2 and 3 pair lifts at Niseko Annupuri will also be rested on weekdays.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Coastal Data. Cape Benkei:NW14m/s. Cape Kamui: WSW13m/s, 1013hPa, wave 1.5m. Hanazono 1000m: -13.5℃, NNE2.2m/s. Hanazono 720: -10.6℃, NNW2.2m/s. Moiwa 800m: -11.1℃, NW7.9m/s, 50cm new in last 12hrs. Annupuri 1100m: -13.7℃, W5.4m/s, 50cm new in last 12hrs. Yu no Sawa 1100m: -13.6℃, WSW3.4m/s. Mizuno no Sawa Top: -12.9℃, WNW3.6m/s. Kutchan Town: -7.6℃, SSW4.1m/s, snow depth 155cm, 1014.6hPa. Moiwa base: -8, 50cm snowfall in last 12hrs, calm.
The snow fall continues. 50cm at the base in the last 12hrs, 60cm at 1000m. A 12-15m/s westerly has blown overnight, stronger briefly around midnight though. From observation only a small amount of wind slab has formed, and avalanche risk below 1000m is low. Due to the amount of snow gate openings are yet undecided. Please respect the patrol's decisions. Do not enter strictly off limits area Haru no Taki looking for deep snow and steep slopes. There is the possibility of triggering an avalanche with large fracture face by rider stimulation.
The snow is good, however avoid stimulating steep slopes, cornice slopes and knolls. Ride the fall line. The snow is deep today, boarders should carry poles so they can get back to the groomers. The weather will be variable, take care in times of heavy snowfall and poor visibility. Helmets are not a fashion accessory, they are worn to avoid head injuries - always wear one. Beacons on? Have a good day.
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Planned ski area operations: Monday 18th January 2021
The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report.
The numbers in brackets show the change in the official snow depth numbers since the previous report.
Niseko Grand Hirafu
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 340cm (+35cm)
- Base: 200cm (+30cm)
Ski lifts operating:
- Ace Family Quad, Ace Quad Center 4, Hirafu Gondola, King Number 3 Quad, King Number 4, Swinging Monkey
- Ace Family Quad and Ace Number 2 Center Four lifts operate for night skiing
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Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 265cm (+27cm)
- Base: 190cm (+20cm)
Ski lifts operating:
- All three lifts
- There is no night skiing at Hanazono
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Niseko Annupuri
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 240cm (+0cm)
- Base: 160cm (+10cm)
Ski lifts operating:
- Annupuri Gondola, Dream Quad, Jumbo Quad Number 1, Jumbo Pair Number 4
- Jumbo Number 1 quad lift operates for night skiing
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Niseko Village
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 230cm (+0cm)
- Base: 150cm (+0cm)
Ski lifts operating:
- Niseko Gondola, Community Chair, Banzai Chair and Wonderland Chair
- Community Chair and Banzai Chair lifts operate for night skiing
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Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas until 7th March 2021.
There is no night skiing in the Niseko HANAZONO area.
The Ace Pair Number 1, 3 and 4, King Pair Number 1 lift and King Quad Number 2 lifts are being rested for the season at Niseko Grand Hirafu.
Niseko Now 2020-2021 season |
Data as of Monday 18th January 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 713cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 49 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (31st December and 18th January) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 348cm reported on 25 days January 2021 snowfall 303cm reported on 18 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.