Niseko Now: Thursday 23rd January 2014
- Jan 23, 2014
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 30, 2025
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 20cm
Snowfall at base this season 780cm
Posted on Thursday 23rd January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Morning from Hirafu and today we have, 20-25cm of new snowfall down here in the village. As you can see from the Avalanche Report below, up to 40cm being reported at higher elevations.
It should be a very fine morning and there's already a lot of people out getting on those first lifts of the day.
One thing for sure is that it's a very cold one. Minus double digits as the lifts prepare to open. A moderate wind this morning but that does not seem to be affecting lift operations around the resorts from the get go, but might need to keep an eye on that later on as it's forecast to get stronger.
The other thing for sure is that it's a beautiful morning. Nice blue skies over the mountains, with just a few clouds remaining. In the other direction Mt Yotei is looking splendid wearing a cloud 'hat' with no other clouds around.
In recent years Niseko has become very popular during the Chinese New Year period with more and more visitors from overseas coming to enjoy that holiday here. This year will be no different and while the actual Chinese New Year is on 31st January, some of those visitors have started to arrive. We are truly entering peak season now.
Let's hope the regular snowfall continues so everyone can get to enjoy refreshed conditions.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Niseko base 6am: -10C, 25cm broken crystal snow in the last 12hrs. Moiwa 800m: -13C, wind W10m/s , 30cm new snow, major snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -16C, wind N13m/s, 30cm new snow, major snowdrift development. Annupuri peak 1308m: -17.4C, wind NNW12.5m/s, wind predicted to be W15m/s at noon. Hirafu 1000m: -15C, 40cm new snow, snowdrift development. Cape Benkei: N10m/s, Cape Kamui: NE4m/s, wave 1.7m, pressure 1018hPa.
Wind and snow continue to flow in from the north. Above 800m, major cornice and snowdrift development. Even if the sun comes out this morning the avalanche risk remains high today. Gates 2 and 3 will be closed, others yet to be decided. Please follows the Patrols advice. Lately there have been a lot of accidents in out of bounds areas. Dont over estimate your abilities because you have fat skis, take care of falling into cracks. Yesterday both Hirafu and Annupuri patrols rescued people in out of bounds areas, Osawa and Fujuwara no Sawa. The snow in the trees is good, however there is wind slab around. Today its best to look for fresh lines within the resort boundaries. Yesterdays Report noted Chinpoko rock at F7, however the area discussed to be avoided was at E7. Have a safe day.
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Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing:
Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 405cm
Base - 200cm
Niseko Village:
Top - 330cm
Base - 220cm
Annupuri:
Top - 280cm
Base - 210cm
Niseko Now 2013-2014 season |
Data as of Thursday 23rd January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 780cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 53 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 382cm reported on 22 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.