Niseko Now: Monday 23rd December 2013
- Dec 23, 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 301cm
Posted on Monday 23rd December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Good, we are back to snow!
Probably around 10cm or so by the end of the day yesterday, result being just over 15cm of snow waiting for me outside here in Hirafu this morning. Welcome, welcome.
It's colder this morning as well, and the snow quality is good. It is coming down nicely as well as I write this report. Not good visibility out on the mountain though, but I'm glad to report less wind.
Hirafu adding 20cm to their upper slopes snow depth this morning.
Forecast seems to have changed for the better. Hopefully we will see the snow continue through tomorrow. Then it's looking good for decent snowfall at the end of the week. Perhaps clearer conditions for Christmas though. At least we'll be able to spot Santa sliding down the slopes.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Niseko base 6am: -5C, 15cm of crystal snowfall. Moiwa 800m: -7℃, 20cm of crystal snow. Annupuri 1000m: -9℃, 20cm of crystal snowfall, 50cm snowdrift development.
No drastic development of snowdrifts can be observed above 800m, wind is blowing at 10m/s NNE. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW13m/s, Kamui cape N4m/, 2.2m waves and 1017hPa.
The general avalanche risk is low, but moderate to considerable in knoll terrains around 1000m altitude. Top chairs are scheduled to operate and the groomers conditions are excellent.
Gate 6 is scheduled to open today, but routes are still limited and bushes are thick. The creeks are still yet to be fully buried, better head back early towards the course. Other gates will also start opening. Ask the ski patrol’s advice and ride carefully. Always remember that the area outside the gates is outside the resort’s management. Safety is never guaranteed in winter mountains, be responsible of your own actions. Are you prepared for emergencies? Carrying avalanche gears (transceiver, shovel & probe) may not be mandatory, but strongly recommended. Being trained and comfortable on how to use these gears is as important as carrying them. Better not overestimate technology, skills or knowledge; always be prudent and stay humble towards the mountains. Have a nice day.
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Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing:
Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 200cm
Base - 85cm
All lifts operating apart from Ace Number 4 pair and King Number 2 quad.
Niseko Village:
Top - 120cm
Base - 80cm
All lifts operating apart from Country Road.
Annupuri:
Top - 110cm
Base - 80cm
All lifts operating apart from Family pair.
Niseko Now 2013-2014 season |
Data as of Monday 23rd December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 301cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 35cm (14th and 15th December) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 178cm 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.