Niseko Now: Tuesday 29th December 2020
- Dec 29, 2020
- 4 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 4cm
Snowfall at base this season 368cm
Posted on Tuesday 29th December 2020 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
It started snowing again early morning and so just a few cm to report to you this morning. Visibility has decreased since earlier and looks quite limited right now.
Thursday and Friday - taking us out of this year and into the next one - should be particularly cold and we're generally due consistent snow clouds over our region into next week.
I must admit that I am enjoying the relative lack of pesky winds so far this season so far. I haven't had to mention them too much so far. Hopefully I haven't spoken too early on that score.
The Avalanche Report is saying that gates other than 6 might be opening tomorrow, though weather may intervene. We shall see.
See you tomorrow.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Coastal Data. Cape Benkei: NNW14m/s. Cape Kamui: W10m/s, 1020hPa, wave 1.9m. Hanazono 1000m: -12.2℃, wind n/a. Hanazono 720: data n/a. Moiwa 800m: -9.4℃, NNW7.0m/s. Annupuri 1100m: -12.5℃, WNW3.3m/s. Kutchan Town: -5.4℃, WNW3.6m/s, snow depth 88cm, 1020hPa. Moiwa base: -6, no new snow, calm, good visibility.
We are in a west high/east low pressure system at the moment with snow wind bearing wind continuing. Cornices and snow drifts are slowly developing, 20 -30cm on the leeward slopes. From the snowfall transition and observation the general avalanche risk is low. Visibility is good currently however the weather can change quickly, take early action if it deteriorates. Cornices are fragile at the moment and could fracture over long distances with little stimulation. Although the avalanche risk is low today don't traverse steep slopes or knolls as it can trigger avalanches.
This information is published for areas outside the ski resort to help prevent accidents. Do not overestimate your knowledge, skills and equipment. Always be cautious. Safety cannot be guaranteed while participating in winter mountain sports. Ducking ropes is strictly prohibited in Niseko. Always use gates to go out of the courses. Gate 6 is open and others are expected to open tomorrow. Please follow the patrols instructions. Be aware there are many dangers in the mountain, not only avalanches. Gates will be closed if the weather deteriorates. Please respect Niseko Rules. Helmets and beacons are strongly recommended. Have a good day.
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Planned ski area operations: Tuesday 29th December 2020
The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report.
Niseko Grand Hirafu
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 220cm (+0cm)
- Base: 125cm (+0cm)
Ski lifts operating:
- All planned lifts operating (see note below)
Courses:
- All courses open
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Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 170cm (+10cm)
- Base: 115cm (+5cm)
Ski lifts operating:
- All lifts operating
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Niseko Annupuri
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 150cm (+0cm)
- Base: 110cm (+0cm)
Ski lifts operating:
- All lifts operating
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Niseko Village
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 150cm (+0cm)
- Base: 100cm (+0cm)
Ski lifts operating:
- Niseko Gondola
- Village Express [*]
- Community Chair [*]
- Banzai Chair [*]
- Morino Chair
- Wonderland Chair
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Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas until 7th March 2021.
Lifts marked [*] are scheduled to be operating during night skiing, until 8:00pm.
There is no night skiing in the Niseko HANAZONO area.
The Ace Pair Number 1, 3 and 4, King Pair Number 1 lift and King Quad Number 2 lifts are being rested for the season at Niseko Grand Hirafu.
Niseko Now 2020-2021 season |
Data as of Tuesday 29th December 2020 Total snowfall at base so far 368cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 29 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (10th November and 15th December) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 306cm 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.