Niseko Now: Wednesday 20th January 2016
- Jan 20, 2016
- 4 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 1cm
Snowfall at base this season 536cm
Posted on Wednesday 20th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Morning from Hirafu where there's just 1cm of new snowfall to report to you this morning. We were expecting and hoping for more, but shall try to not be too greedy.
Yesterday wind messed around with top lifts, with the Niseko Annupuri resort only ending up opening up late morning with the Jumbo 1, 2 and 3 lifts eventually moving by noon. Other top lifts were affected through the day as well.
So how will today turn out?
Unfortunately it looks like there's going to be less lifts open than yesterday at the beginning of the day. The Niseko Annupuri lifts will all be closed again due to the strong winds up to 20m/s over there on their upper slopes, and it's lower lifts only at Niseko Village and Niseko Grand Hirafu. The two lower quads at Hanazono are set to be both operating, but the top lift won't be.
It's not the best of news for today and somewhat challenging conditions if you decide to get out there. It doesn't feel particularly cold down here in the village but with the wind conditions I would think it will feel mighty cold if you get on the lifts.
Snow is forecast for the day today though and with less wind likely (hopefully!), conditions should be good tomorrow morning.
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Resort specific lift opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day):
Niseko Grand Hirafu
Just lower lifts open at the start of the day - Ace Family, Ace Number 1, King Number 1 and Holiday Number 1 pair. Gondola and other lifts not operating.
Niseko HANAZONO Resort
The Hanazono 1 and 2 lifts are operating, but the top Hanazono Number 3 lift is not starting the day.
Niseko Village
The lower Community, Banzai and Morino lifts plan to start the day but the Niseko Gondola and top Wonderland Chair not operating.
Niseko Annupuri
All lifts not operating at the start of the day due to strong winds.
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Niseko Avalanche Report:
Niseko base 6am: -4℃, strong northerly wind, light snowfall with snowdrift development. Moiwa 800m: -10℃, E15m/s, no snowfall but large development of snowdrifts. Mikaeri 740m: -6.7℃, W9m/s, development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: -8℃, NW20-27m/s. Hirafu 1000m: -13℃, strong NE wind with large development of snowdrifts. Benkei cape: ENE17m/s, Kamui cape: E6m/s, 1003hPa, 5.5m waves.
Although new snowfall is scarce, the strong easterly wind has developed new snowdrifts all around the mountain. SW facing slopes of the valleys are covered with wind-packed snowdrifts forming unstable slabs. The wind is forecasted to shift west and the snowfall will also pick up as it does. The avalanche risk in steep slopes, knolls, under lifts and under cornices above 600m elevation is high. Gates 1 & 5 as well as all peak gates will be shut. Refrain from ducking ropes. Avalanche accidents mostly occur during and just after storms. Going to an onsen and relax until the storm calms down is recommended for today. The visibility is poor on and off the mountain, pleaser be careful on the road and drive safe. If your car happen to get stuck in a blizzard, it is best to turn the engine off and wait for rescue. Have a nice day.
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Official resort snow depths as of Wednesday 20th January 2016:
Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono
Top - 300cm
Base - 130cm
Niseko Village
Top - 260cm
Base - 150cm
Niseko Annupuri
Top - 230cm
Base - 160cm
Niseko Now 2015-2016 season |
Data as of Wednesday 20th January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 536cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 39 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 231cm 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.