Niseko Now: Friday 22nd March 2013
- Mar 22, 2013
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 15cm
Snowfall at base this season 1433cm
Weather overview Cloud, fog up top
Wind
Varied
Temperature -4C base / -12C top
Visibility Varied
Posted at 8:56am on Friday 22nd March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Good morning from the Niseko area and we have another 15cm or so of snow to report this morning here in Hirafu since yesterday. Should be some good snow conditions to be found out there this morning.
After the wilder conditions we had yesterday, this morning is somewhat calmer. Here at base level anyway, though the flags around village are still moving about in an at times moderate wind. Seems the only resort disruption today is the top Wonderland Chair lift at Niseko Village not opening up due to poor visibility up there. Dense fog, as they explain. Oh, and also the top King Number 4 and top Hanazono lifts are currently on stand-by due to the same poor visibility and wind conditions.
Visibility generally fine on lower areas of the mountain though. Generally cloudy conditions over the region with a few hints of small clearer patches with sky on show behind the cloud.
We should see temperatures remain low and below zero over the weekend and into next week with scattered snow showers possibly through tomorrow.
Check it out... the Niseko Grand Hirafu official upper slopes snow depth up to 515cm again (up 30cm since yesterday) and it's 22nd March.
Avalanche Information
Niseko base 6am: -5C, 10cm new snow, cloudy. Annupuri peak: -11.1C, expected wind speed at noon: WNW15m/s. Coastal data: wind SSE5m/s, 1.5m waves, pressure 1005hPa.
Below 800m, wind and driving snow is easing and snow layers above 21 Mar layer are stabilising. However on leeward slopes around 1000m the avalanche risk is still HIGH. Cornices are unstable and will fracture easily due dramatic growth recently. They can collapse instantly with no warning. Dont go near cornices.
The snow is good in the trees, although wind effected. Be careful of cracks and other objects under the snow. Avoid steep open leeward faces. The mountain has returned to winter conditions.
Gate opening is yet to be decided, dependent on weather and lift operations. Follow patrols advice. Dont duck ropes, this is prohibited and strictly enforced in Niseko.
Many accidents happen during or just after a storm. Ride cautiously and dont be overconfident. Please carry your own rescue equipment and know how to use it. Warm air is expected to flow in from noon. Get some good powder.
Niseko Now 2012-2013 season |
Data as of Friday 22nd March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1433cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 102 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 138cm reported on 14 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.