Niseko Now: Saturday 30th March 2013
- Mar 30, 2013
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 10cm
Snowfall at base this season 1458cm
Weather overview Cloud, snow
Wind
Varied
Temperature -1C base / -6C top
Visibility Variable
Posted at 9:01am on Saturday 30th March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Just when we thought those resort snow depth numbers were on their way down, we get some new snowfall and we're back up to 5m at Grand Hirafu. Yes, another 10+cm here in Hirafu this morning which is a nice start to the weekend. Decent snow too by the looks so it should be a good morning out there.
No wind problems either this morning and resorts look to be open as planned.
This morning for weather conditions Annupuri resort has 'snow', Niseko Village has 'cloud' and Niseko Grand Hirafu has 'fine'! From where I'm looking 'cloudy with snow falling' seems to be the best description.
Perhaps those differing reports only goes to demonstrate how varied weather conditions can be in the same region.
Avalanche Information
Niseko base 6am: -3C, 10cm new snow, broken particles. Yesterday 4pm windspeed at 1000m: SW18m/s, 8pm: 14m/s. Coastal data 6am: wind NW12m/s, 1.3m waves, pressure 1016hPa. Annupuri peak predicted windspeed at noon: W18m/s. Snow depth at 1000m: 400cm.
Cold air has been flowing into the area with wind and some snow. Above 800m, leeward slopes, snow drift development turning to slabs. These are weakly bonded and will easily collapse this morning. Avalanche risk is High this morning. Be careful on steep slopes and around knolls, shallow(20cm)rider stimulated surface slabs avalanches sliding on 29th Mar layer will easily occur.
All peak gates are expected to open at 9.30. Listen to patrols advice before passing through gates. It is recommended to carry self rescue equipment. Avoid riding alone.
Avoid getting caught by a deadly full depth avalanche, dont ride in valley bottoms. Cornices are large and will easily collapse, dont get too close. Be careful of cracks. Snow is heavy but good.
Niseko Now 2012-2013 season |
Data as of Saturday 30th March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1458cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 106 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 163cm reported on 18 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.