Niseko Now: Saturday 2nd February 2013
- Feb 2, 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 979cm
Weather overview Cloud, rain
Wind
Light
Temperature 4C base / -1C top
Visibility Fair to good
Posted at 8:43am on Saturday 2nd February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Good morning from Niseko.
Actually, it's not really a good morning. It's quite miserable really. Wet, grey and windy.
Let's go back to yesterday. It was warm and grey, a showing of light snowfall from time to time. Rain started to come down properly earlier this morning and it continues now, agonisingly further spoiling our precious snow! It's +4C here at the moment which is obviously way too warm.
What's more, strong winds are affecting lift operations with the top lifts at each of the resorts on hold this morning due to the conditions. The gondola at Niseko Village is also not moving this morning.
All the signs really of one of those rare days when a fair few people will opt out to do something else.
If you do wish to venture out, be aware of the risks. Avalanche warnings are out and as the report below suggests, it's probably a day for the groomers.
Or an onsen.
I know you want some good news and I have some of that as well. Hurray!
Yes, looks like it should get cold later on today quick quickly to be followed by snow. Possibly heavy snowfall. That's more like it. At the risk of being a bit gloomy today, I need to also add that strong winds are very likely tomorrow as well as the snow.
Take care and have fun where you can find it.
Avalanche Information
Niseko base 6am: +3C, rain melting snow. Moiwa 800m: SE10m/s gusts, -1C, wet snowfall and bad visibility with development of snowdrifts. Annupuri peak: WNW14.9m/s, -38C. Coastal data: S23m/s, 1.5m waves and 998hPa.
A strong warm air mass is flowing in due to the approaching low-pressure system. Rain below 500m altitude and wet snow above 600m. Heavy snowdrifts are developing in various areas and heavy slabs are likely to slide in areas above 800m. Cracks are forming and enlarging in steep slopes below 500m. Full-depth avalanches risk will rise as the rain infiltrates between the ground and the snowpack. Wet & heavy slabs are likely to slide under lift-lines and gullies. All gates will be closed today due to high risk of avalanches. The snow is heavy and difficult to control; be prudent. Better stay on the groomers today. Do not duck ropes and have a safe day.
Niseko Now 2012-2013 season |
Data as of Saturday 2nd February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 979cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 64 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 |
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.