Niseko Now: Friday 27th January 2023
- Jan 27, 2023
- 4 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 24cm
Snowfall at base this season 630cm
Posted on Friday 27th January 2023 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
I have just measured a lovely 24cm of fresh snowfall to report to you this morning. And less wind too. Fabulous. There's some cloud and some blue sky, though more snow is due so this clearer spell might not (probably won't) last.
I expect lifts should be opening as planned this morning.
Conditions should be unbearably fine this morning. And that has absolutely nothing to do with my abnormally early report. Honest!
If you are here and about to head out for the day, take care and have fun.
Actually, take care and have fun wherever you are! :)
---------------
Niseko Avalanche Report
Mountain base -8C, light wind, 25cm new snow. Moiwa 800m: -11.8C, WSW0.9m/s, 30cm new snow, calm. Annupuri 1100m: -14.3C, WSW4.8m/s, 30cm new snow, cornice and significant snowdrift development. Mizuno no Sawa: -13.1C, NW2.7m/s. Hirafu Hanazono 1000m: -14.3C, N1.1m/s. Hanazono#3: -11.2C, NNW1.8m/s. Coastal data: Benkei Cape NW6m/s, Kamui Cape SW8m/s, 1011hPa, 1.9m waves.
The storm has passed, the isobars are spreading out and snowdrift development has slowed. Based on this morning's observation and data analysis the overall avalanche risk is starting to drop. Slab stability is delayed on NE facing slopes like Mikaeri Bowl sidewall where the strong winds have formed a crust. Be careful on steep slopes where the surface is wind rippled, large areas could let go suddenly. SE facing snowdrifts have started to stabilize, however on Kozan no Sawa sidewall above 1000m, upper Osawa and HigashiOne cornice slope, a significant avalanche risk remains. Mid slope traversing and multiple riders is not recommended in these areas. Valley bottoms become avalanche paths and should always be avoided. When crossing valleys is unavoidable or when going down steep slopes , keep a sufficient distance and go one at a time. Gates are scheduled to open but will be delayed. Please follow the patrols instructions. There is no safety in this sport. Guides and leaders always have a big responsibility. Have a good day.
---------------
Ski area information for Friday 27th January 2023
The below snow depth and snowfall numbers are manually checked each morning from official sources.
Lift information is the planned operations for the day, weather permitting.
Official snow depth numbers in brackets show the change since previous report.
Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 30cm
- Base: 30cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 325cm (+15cm since yesterday)
- Base: 130cm (+10cm since yesterday)
Lifts:
- Ace Family quad [* open until for 7:00pm for night skiing]
- Ace Number 2 quad (Center Four) [* open until for 7:00pm for night skiing]
- Ace Number 3 pair
- Hirafu Gondola
- Holiday Number 1 pair
- King Number 3 quad
- King Number 4
- Swinging Monkey
-------
Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 35cm
- Base: 32cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 265cm (+15cm since yesterday) not updated yet
- Base: 227cm (+17cm since yesterday)
Lifts:
- Hanazono Number 1
- Hanazono Number 2 quad
- Hanazono Number 3 quad
- Hanazono Symphony Gondola [* open until 7:00pm for night skiing]
-------
Niseko Annupuri Kokusai
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 10cm (ignore this!)
- Base: 10cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 195cm (+10cm since yesterday)
- Base: 160cm (+10cm since yesterday)
Lifts:
- Annupuri Gondola
- Dream Number 1 quad
- Jumbo Number 1 quad [* open until 7:30pm for night skiing]
- Jumbo Number 2 pair
- Jumbo Number 3 pair [* normally open on weekends and holidays]
- Jumbo Number 4 pair
-------
Niseko Village Ski Resort
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 180cm (no change since yesterday)
- Base: 165cm (no change change since yesterday)
Lifts:
- Niseko Gondola
- Upper Village Gondola
- Village Express
- Community Chair [* open until 7:00pm for night skiing]
- Banzai Chair [* open until 7:00pm for night skiing]
- Wonderland Chair
-------
Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
Lifts:
- Number 1 pair lift
- Number 2 pair lift
- Quad lift
Niseko Now 2022-2023 season |
Data as of Friday 27th January 2023 Total snowfall at base so far 630cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 55 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (27th January) November 2022 snowfall 17cm reported on 5 days December 2022 snowfall 336cm reported on 27 days January 2023 snowfall 277cm reported on 23 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.