Niseko Now: Friday 27th December 2013
- Dec 27, 2013
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 5cm
Snowfall at base this season 348cm
Posted on Friday 27th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
It was milder overnight and this morning we have a new delivery of 5cm or so of snow on the ground. Not the best kind of snow though with the milder temperatures brings a wetter variety.
Mixed conditions this morning with some sun and blue skies visible through the clouds at times. The main thing today will probably be the winds. Just before 9am a few lifts were not moving due to wind and a few running at reduced speed - see below. Stronger winds are forecast for late morning into the afternoon and so there may well be more closed.
Looks like lots of snowfall is on the way though along with colder temperatures. Starting later today. Should be a good weekend.
Out on the mountain it was all gates open yesterday. As the signs say, these are 'Out of management areas' which basically means that you enter at your own risk. Be sure you know what you are doing, ideally go with someone else who knows what they are doing, and be adequately equipped. Be safe. And remember them there Niseko Rules, often mentioned in the Avalanche Reports below and outlined here.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Niseko base 6am: 0C, 6cm of wet snow. Moiwa 800m: calm wind and 10cm of new snow, -2C. Annupuri 1000m: -7C, W13m/s. 1308m: -6.5C, NW3m/s. Coastal data: Benkei cape SSW3m/s, Kamui cape: SSW16m/s, 1.6m waves, 996hPa.
The weather is calm for now. Warm air is flowing into the coming low-pressure and isobars are momentarily spaced out. However, a northerly blizzard is forecasted to start before noon above 800m. Snowdrifts will develop drastically as the storm kicks in and leeward wind-affected slabs avalanche hazard will rise. Conditions will completely change from yesterday. Peak gates will be closed, please follow the ski-patrol’s instructions.
Shallow slab avalanches from Dec 26th layer are also to be expected in steep slopes under lift lines and cliff areas. Although shallow, today’s snow is heavy and consequences can be critical if caught in. Caution. The snow in the trees between 600 and 1000m is good fun. Beware of hitting trees. Avalanche risk will rise for the next couple of days. Many accidents happen during poor weather, better not push it too far.
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Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing:
Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 220cm
Base - 90cm
King Number 4 not operating; King Number 3 and top Hanazono lift operating at reduced speed due to wind.
Niseko Village:
Top - 140cm
Base - 100cm
Niseko Gondola and Wonderland Chair lifts not operating at the moment due to wind.
Annupuri:
Top - 125cm
Base - 120cm
All lifts operating apart from Family pair and the top Jumbo lift which is wind affected.
Niseko Now 2013-2014 season |
Data as of Friday 27th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 348cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 27 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 35cm (14th, 15th and 24th December) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 225cm reported on 18 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.