Niseko Now: Sunday 31st March 2013
- Mar 31, 2013
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 16, 2025
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 1cm
Snowfall at base this season 1459cm
Weather overview Cloud, snow
Wind
Varied
Temperature -2C base / -6C top
Visibility Variable
Posted at 8:24am on Sunday 31st March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
We had a dusting of snow last night in Niseko though it didn't amount to much just a trace really here. I see that the report below is reporting 3cm. It might be the last day of Match, but it's still snowing.
Conditions were clearer earlier on this morning. The sun was out and it looked like we might be on for a clear fine day, but as I type this report it has clouded over and snow is falling from the skies. I doubt it will last long though and the local forecast is for a generally cloudy day. So rather changeable conditions at the moment.
It is currently -2 degrees here in the Hirafu village area. There's a moderate wind blowing but it looks like resorts plan to have lifts open as planned this morning.
As noted below, today's Avalanche Report is the last one of the current season and as always many thanks to the Niseko Avalanche Institute.
We will continue to keep these Niseko Now reports updated though until the end of the season in May.
Avalanche Information
Niseko base 6am: -6C, 3cm new snow crystals, calm and sunny. No peak data. Coastal data: wind SW6m/s, 1.0m waves, pressure 1019hPa. Annupuri peak predicted windspeed at noon: W10m/s. Snow depth at 1000m: 400cm.
Light winds and small amount of snow drift development with current high pressure system. General avalanche risk is low. However if temperature rises shallow surface avalanches will easily occur. Caution on open steep slopes.
Peak gates are expected to open at 9.30am. Whether cracks are present or not, on cornice slopes around 1100m the probability of full depth avalanche is getting higher. These will wipe out everything in their path. Dont ride the valley bottoms.
This information is issued to protect the freedom and minimum safety for all mountain users. The mountain is never completely safe. With care most accidents can be avoided. Ducking ropes, then other people following your tracks increases the probability of accidents. Don't over estimate your skills, experience or equipment. Listen to patrols advice. When the gates are closed it is for good reason.
This is the last of 108 avalanche reports this season. It does not mean the mountain is safe now though, dangers still exist. Be safe out there.
Niseko Now 2012-2013 season |
Data as of Sunday 31st March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1459cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 107 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 164cm reported on 19 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.