Niseko Now: Saturday 3rd January 2015
- Jan 3, 2015
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 10cm
Snowfall at base this season 599cm
Posted on Saturday 3rd January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
It was a great day out yesterday with the sun doing it's thing along with the fine snow conditions to enjoy.
This morning I have another 10cm of fresh snowfall to report and it is still snowing now. Not a huge amount expected today, more the chance of it getting less during the day with just cloud expected tomorrow and then sunshine on Monday.
Currently -4 degrees but still much colder higher up. From tomorrow we are still told to expect somewhat warmer (or should I say not as cold) temperatures.
It looks fairly calm out there from what I can see, but the top King lift at Hirafu that is being affected by windy conditions - but all other areas seem to be open as planned.
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There's a curious bit of news from the Niseko Grand Hirafu area.
Some of you may have noticed that the following lifts haven't been joining in the party yet this season:
- King Number 1 pair lift
- King Number 2 quad lift
- Ace Number 4 pair lift
The reason being stated seems to be along the lines there not being enough staff to operate the lifts safetly. Which seems odd. But anyway there's no date given for when they might get moving, if indeed they will. This doesn't mean of course that any courses are closed, but it would be good to have the lift capacity.
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Resort specific news at time of writing - subject to change during the day
Niseko Grand Hirafu:
Looks set to be open as planned.
Niseko Hanazono:
Top King Nunber 4 lift delayed due to strong winds.
Niseko Village:
Looks set to be open as planned.
Niseko Annupuri:
Looks set to be open as planned. 'Annupuri First Run' is available until Sunday and then also on the 11th and 12th January. For 1000 yen, you can get to ride the Gondola from 7:20-8:20am.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Niseko base: -8C, 15cm of broken crystal snow in 12 hours. Moiwa 800m: NW15m/s, -12C, 25cm snowfall with snowdrifts development. Annupuri 1150m: -12C, 25cm snowfall with snowdrifts development. Hirafu 1000m: -12C, 25cm snowfall with snowdrifts development. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNW17m/s, Kamui cape W12m/s, 1005hPa, 1.4m waves.
The isobars are momentarily narrowing and intermittent stormy condition is continuing. Strong northerly wind with heavy snowfall persists above 1200m, generating heavy and unstable development of snowdrifts. Peak gates 2 & 3 opening is yet to be decided. Please follow the ski patrol’s instructions. Adjust your touring plans according to the weather conditions. Entering Osawa (Annupuri bowl) by crossing the rope below gate 2 is strictly prohibited. Better not risk your lift pass. The freedom of out of bounds riding in Niseko is barely protected by having everyone respecting the Rules. The snow in the trees has been reset, but is wind affected and a bit heavy. It is strongly advised not to stimulate knolls, cornice slopes and steep gully side-slopes below 800m. Thin surface slab avalanches are highly likely to occur. Most of avalanche related accidents happens in leeward snowdrift-loaded slopes during bad weather. Be prudent and have a nice day.
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Official snow depth numbers and any notes at time of writing:
Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 300cm
Base - 160cm
Niseko Village:
Top - 220cm
Base - 150cm
Niseko Annupuri:
Top - 220cm
Base - 150cm
Niseko Now 2014-2015 season |
Data as of Saturday 3rd January 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 599cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 33 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th and 26th December) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 50cm 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.