Niseko Now: Tuesday 22nd December 2020
- Dec 22, 2020
- 4 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 9cm
Snowfall at base this season 302cm
Posted on Tuesday 22nd December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
It doesn't feel as cold this morning and we are indeed told to expect a few days of milder weather.
It is a cloudy morning. The top section of Mt Yotei is covered in some thick grey cloud. Not much wind to speak of. And, oh yes, just under 10cm of snow to add to my report from yesterday, pretty much all of that being delivered during the daytime. Look to the next snow around Thursday through Saturday.
I feel somewhat short on words this morning and there's not much to report, so... I'll see you tomorrow!
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Coastal Data. Cape Benkei: NW10m/s. Cape Kamui: WSW9m/s, 1018hPa, wave n/a. Hanazono 1000m: -7.8℃, ESE5m/s. Hanazono 720: -4.4℃, N5m/s. Moiwa 800m: -4.8℃, NW5m/s. Kutchan Town: -2.2℃, light WSW winds, snow depth 88cm, 1018.7hPa. Moiwa Base : -4℃, 5cm new snow, snow depth 120cm, calm good visibility.
The winter type pressure pattern has weakened and the weather has improved. There is no obvious snow drift or cornice development. From observation, data, patrol and grooming operator reports, avalanche risk has eased. Inflow of warm below 600m bring warmer temps, however above 1000m cold air is still flowing in. Wind eased after 3am and snowdrifts have consolidated and stabilised. The snow surface lightly wind effected making riding faster.
The sustained snowfall has caused major snowdrift growth, leeward slopes around 800m have over 300cm cornice growth in some locations. Steep slopes around 1000m, like Kozan no Sawa side wall, the risk of large scale surface avalanches continues. Sun slabs are forming on steep south facing slopes like Haru no Taki causing instability, similar conditions to the 28 Jan 1998 avalanche accident.
Be careful of snow bridges collapsing easily above creeks, the water is cold. Bushes are still thick around 600m and the snow is deep. If you are going off piste take snow shoes or skins. Be careful of snow falling off buildings around the village. Beacons and helmets strongly recommended. Have a good day.
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Planned ski area operations: Tuesday 22nd December 2020
The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report.
Niseko Grand Hirafu
Part open
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 210cm (+0cm)
- Base: 130cm (+0cm)
Ski lifts operating:
- Ace Family quad
- Ace Number 2 Center quad
- Hirafu Gondola
- Holiday Number 1 pair
- King Number 3 quad
- Swinging Monkey
All courses open except:
- Onsenzawa
- Large
- Konayuki
- Miharashi
- Dynamic
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Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Open
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 162cm (not updated yet at time of report)
- Base: 115cm (not updated yet at time of report)
Ski lifts operating:
- Hanazono Number 1 quad
- Hanazono Number 2 quad
- Hanazono Number 3 quad
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Niseko Annupuri
Part open
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 140cm (+10cm)
- Base: 110cm (+10cm)
Ski lifts operating:
- Annupuri Gondola
- Dream Number 1 quad
- Jumbo Number 1 quad
- Jumbo Number 2 pair
Courses available:
- Utopia
- Silver
- Shirakaba
- Family
- Paradise
- Dynamic
- Junior
- Challenge
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Niseko Village
Part open
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 130cm (+0cm)
- Base: 100cm (+0cm)
Ski lifts operating:
- Niseko Gondola
- Village Express
- Community Chair
- Banzai Chair
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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.
Niseko Now 2020-2021 season |
Data as of Tuesday 22nd December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 302cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (10th November and 15th December) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 240cm 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.