Niseko Now: Monday 3rd February 2014
- Feb 3, 2014
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 5cm
Snowfall at base this season 886cm
Posted on Monday 3rd February 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
It was indeed a mild day yesterday in the region, warm enough for us to actually get a bit of rain. Happily, that didn't last long and it's colder again this morning and I have a few more cm of snow to report. As in the report below, up to 15cm being reported around the mountains.
Still a wind this morning but less and it's not affecting lifts by the looks, though a few including the Hirafu Gondola may be slightly late starting up - reasons being maintenance checks and moving snow and ice.
Snow is falling at the moment and we should keep cold and see regular snowfall through the week right up to the weekend.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Niseko base 6am: -6C, 15cm of low pressure snowfall in last 12 hrs. Moiwa 800m: -8C, wind NW 12m/s, 10cm. Annupuri 1150m: -12C, wind W18m/s, 10cm new snow, no significant snowdrift development. Hirafu 1000m: -11C, 15cm new snow, strong wind. Annupuri peak 1308m: -11.1℃, wind WSW5.7m/s. Cape Benkei: NW16m/s, Cape Kamui: wind W13m/s, wave 2.4, pressure 1003hPa.
Warm wet snowfall above Feb 2nd layer has recrystallised overnight from drop in temperature, around 1000m elev shallow surface avalanches are likely to occur on steep slopes. Below 800m the forest is reset and the snow is good. The overall avalanche risk is low but always aware. The is always the danger of avalanches from deep within the snowpack. Today there is a strong wind above 1100m, Patrol yet to decided gate openings. In Niseko it is becoming increasingly hard to find powder and many are following tracks under the ropes looking for it. Dont forget Niseko Rules exist to protect your freedom to ski outside the ropes. Always use the gates, never duck ropes. Be aware of a sudden change in weather. Note cracks are difficult to see from above. Groomers are good. Have a safe day.
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Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing:
Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 380cm
Base - 190cm
Niseko Village:
Top - 345cm
Base - 230cm
Annupuri:
Top - 280cm
Base - 210cm
Niseko Now 2013-2014 season |
Data as of Monday 3rd February 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 886cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 63 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 27cm reported on 3 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.