Niseko Now: Friday 29th March 2013
- Mar 29, 2013
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 0cm
Snowfall at base this season 1448cm
Weather overview Cloud
Wind
Varied
Temperature -2C base / -4C top
Visibility Good
Posted at 8:01am on Friday 29th March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
An early report this morning before the lifts get going.
It's a cloudy start to the day here. Temps dipped to just below freezing overnight and at the moment it is around 0 degrees here in the Hirafu base area. There's doesn't seem to be much of a wind this morning here so fingers crossed all of the lifts will be open as planned, though the report below is saying that there's stronger winds above 1000m and the forecast is telling us to expect windier conditions later on from around lunchtime. It's also saying that the clouds might clear up as the day progresses too...
For all of those interested in the Kutchan town official snowfall numbers that we have been following... March 2013 is currently on 116cm. So easily beating last season when the number was 79cm, but not as good as the two seasons before when we got over 2m of snow in Kutchan. As I always mention, this is Kutchan, not the resorts - where there's considerably more as per reported here each day. When the new SnowJapan site goes online soon, there'll be some more interesting numbers to take in and compare... oh, what a tease I am.
:)
Avalanche Information
Niseko base 6am: -1C, no new snow, cloudy. Peak Data: not available. Coastal data: wind WNW11m/s, 0.8m waves, pressure 1011hPa. Annupuri peak predicted windspeed at noon: W15m/s.
A weak cold front moved through and snow surface is refrozen. Above 1000m there has been a strong westerly wind, however there has been no significant snow drift development. General avalanche risk is low. All peak gates are expected to open at 9.30am.
On steep slopes around 900m, such as Mikaeri Bowl, many more cracks are opening and existing are widening, as tension is relieved in the slope. From now the risk of full depth avalanches, starting around 900m-1100m, is increasing. Steep open slopes with no trees show evidence of past avalanche activity. Do not ride these slopes as there is strong likelihood they will slide again with devastating consequences for anyone caught in their path.
As the mountain turns to spring, the snow becomes more difficult to ride. Group leaders need to plan safe routes to avoid bad snow. Don't overestimate your skills or experience, have a safe day.
Niseko Now 2012-2013 season |
Data as of Friday 29th March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1448cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 105 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 153cm reported on 17 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.