Niseko Now: Wednesday 20th March 2013
- Mar 20, 2013
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 0cm
Snowfall at base this season 1403cm
Weather overview Snow on the way
Wind
Varied
Temperature -2C base / -6C top
Visibility Varied
Posted at 10:02am on Wednesday 20th March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Yesterday cleared up to be a nice day in terms of the clouds clearing up and we got some nice sunny conditions as well - lovely evening - though top lifts were on and off during the day with the wind conditions.
Clouds moved back in and there was some light snow overnight, but nothing in terms of new cm - not here at base level anyway. It's noticeably colder this morning, but still not winter-like cold. About -1C in Hirafu now. It remains just cloudy though it should soon snowing (already on mountain?) and fingers crossed for some good news in my report tomorrow morning.
It's a national holiday here in Japan today. Mid-week of course, but we can expect it to be busier than a normal Wednesday.
All lifts seems to be open as scheduled with not that much of a wind today, though I see the top King 4 lift at Hirafu has been closed due to some maintenance.
Snow conditions hopefully though into the weekend. Fingers crossed. See you tomorrow!
Avalanche Information
Niseko base 6am: -3C, no new snow, cloudy. Annupuri peak: -10C, expected wind speed at noon NNW10m/s. Coastal data: wind W11m/s, 1.2m waves, pressure 1010hPa.
Calm weather preceding low pressure system. Upper levels of the snowpack have stabilized and avalanche risk is low. Gates are expected to open at 9.30am. Please listen to ski patrol advice when passing through the gates.
Because of the deep snowpack this season and recent rapid temperature changes, the risk of full depth avalanches is rising in Osawa, Kozan no Sawa(back bowl) and Higashione around 1000m elev. These avalanches occur regardless of air temperature, so even on cold days avoid riding in valley bottoms.
Full depth avalanches can easily have a fracture over 5m deep, an avalanche this size is devastating and will wipe out everything in its path. Cracks are a sign that a full depth avalanche could occur, however not always the case. Sometimes the crack and avalanche occur simultaneously. Use caution on leeward and open steep slopes.
Please make sure everyone in your group is carrying beacon, probe, shovel. Dont overestimate your equipment or knowledge, safe decisions are your best asset. Avoid riding alone. Have a safe day.
Niseko Now 2012-2013 season |
Data as of Wednesday 20th March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1403cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 100 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 443cm reported on 26 days February 2013 snowfall 316cm reported on 24 days March 2013 snowfall 108cm 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.