Niseko Now: Sunday 24th March 2013
- Mar 24, 2013
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 4cm
Snowfall at base this season 1438cm
Weather overview Light snow
Wind
Varied
Temperature -4C base / -10C top
Visibility Fair
Posted at 9:04am on Sunday 24th March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Morning from Hirafu. It's a generally grey and cloudy one, very light snow falling overnight and given us a few more cm this morning and easing off now. Currently about -3 degrees here at base.
A few lifts running slow aside, the resorts appear to be open as scheduled this morning.
Noticeably quieter again this weekend. Late season is the time of year when you get to see more locals and people working in Niseko get out on the slopes as they get to have a bit of their own fun after looking after the peak season number of guests.
The forecast for the coming week seems to be saying that temps will remain around the same level and it's a mix of cloud, snow and sunny spells. Perhaps a bit more warmth and rain around Thursday.
Avalanche Information
Niseko base 6am: -5C, 5cm new snow, calm. Annupuri peak: -12.1C, snow depth at 1000m: 400cm. Coastal data: wind WNW10m/s, 1.7m waves, pressure 1012hPa.
The weather is calmer today. From data and observation, snow drift development above 20-21 Mar layer is stable. The general avalanche risk is low. All peak gates are expected to open at 10am. Be careful of cracks and holes hidden by new snow, listen to patrols advice before passing through gates. For you and your groups safety, carry and know how to use beacons and other rescue equipment.
From this years snowfall data, the risk of full depth avalanche is rising in Osawa, Kozan no Sawa (Back Bowl), SW face of Nishi One (West Ridge), Mikaeri Bowl and Higashi One (East Ridge) cornice slope. Avoid riding in these areas, if you get caught in full depth avalanche it will be fatal.
The snow is good today. Be cautious and aware, avoid having an accident. Have a safe day.
Niseko Now 2012-2013 season |
Data as of Sunday 24th March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1438cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 104 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 143cm reported on 16 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.