Niseko Now: Tuesday 30th January 2018
- Jan 30, 2018
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 26cm
Snowfall at base this season 854cm
Posted on Tuesday 30th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
We enjoyed some really heavy snow coming down last night and as we wake up and look outside the window, saw that it resulted in lots of fresh snow this morning.
I'm adding another 26cm of quality fresh snow to my reports and you'll notice 40cm being reported at Annupuri below too. Very nice. I really like those numbers.
It's very cold too. I hope all those folk lining up for early lifts - check out the images below as of 8:30am - had an extra piece of toast and are feeling warm and toasty as they embark on their exciting day of fun. And while visibility doesn't look too good, it should be a whole lot of fun out there this morning. I am somewhat jealous sitting here just writing about it! (Cue violins).
Anyway, as I write this report it is continuing to snow lightly. Wind doesn't seem to be causing any issues and all areas should be opening as planned.
Snow clouds might be with us today and tomorrow with the chance of clearer skies Thursday through Saturday; perhaps snow returning around Sunday.
It sounds like a plan!
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Niseko Avalanche Report:
Niseko base 6.00am: -11°, 20cm new snow, calm. Moiwa 800m: -13°, W6.9m/s. Annupuri 1150m: -13°, WSW9.4m/s, 40cm new snow. Hirafu 1250m: -13°, light winds, 20cm new snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NW14m/s. Kamui Cape: WSW9m/s, 1008hPa, wave 1.6m.
The atmospheric isobaric lines are moving further apart and a north west wind around10m/s is blowing over the mountains and sea. From data and observation there is no significant snowdrift development and the general avalanche risk is low. With this light and deep snow, cracks are becoming hidden crevasses. They are very dangerous if you fall and go in one head first. Take care.
At higher elevations the risk of avalanche continues on 40deg slopes where wind and temperature gradient has formed layers in the snowpack. When checking the surface slab for stability it may appear OK but the risk persists from deep layers. Gates are expected to be open. Please listen to the patrols advice. Be prepared before going out of bounds. Do not duck ropes.
The massive cornices we have at the moment are in constant danger of collapse. Dont stand on top of them or below them. Beware bad visibility and frostbite. Have a good day.
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Tuesday 30th January 2018
Resort specific information (operations subject to change):
Niseko Grand Hirafu & Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Lifts scheduled to be operating:
- All lifts (apart from King Number 2) should be operating
Official snow depth:
- Top: 420cm
- Base: 210cm
Niseko Annupuri Kokusai
Lifts scheduled to be operating:
- All lifts should be operating
Official snow depth:
- Top: 330cm
- Base: 210cm
Niseko Village
Lifts scheduled to be operating:
- All lifts apart from the Country Road Chair lift should be operating
- 'Early Gondola' service from 7:30am until 8:30am (Niseko Gondola) - on February 3rd-4th. 1,400 yen special ticket required.
Official snow depth:
- Top: 310cm
- Base: 200cm
Niseko Now 2017-2018 season |
Data as of Tuesday 30th January 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 854cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 63 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (21st December) November 2017 snowfall 188cm reported on 11 days December 2017 snowfall 406cm reported on 27 days January 2018 snowfall 260cm reported on 25 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.