Niseko Now: Sunday 3rd March 2013
- Mar 3, 2013
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 15cm
Snowfall at base this season 1325cm
Weather overview Cloud with patches of blue
Wind
Light
Temperature -5C base / -10C top
Visibility Decent
Posted at 9:39am on Sunday 3rd March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Yesterday was a bit of a wild ride, as it was in many other regions of Japan I hear. The Shin Chitose airport and gateway to Hokkaido near Sapporo was closed for a while, messing with the travel plans of more than a few people. It sure has been a dramatic start to March.
So after a day of strong winds and disruption, this morning things have calmed down. There's has been probably 10-20cm of snow since yesterday, but the storm was blowing it all about and so it's one of those days when pinning down a number is particularly difficult.
It's actually colder than it was yesterday morning according to the thermometer and about -4C as I write this. Lots of cloud around still, but I can also see some blue sky above the mountain and the sun is out here in Hanazono where I'm writing this mornings report from.
Light snow showers still on the forecast for today but it feels like it may well clear up. Followed by more clearer skies this week over Niseko, sun and warmer conditions as the week progresses.
Avalanche Information
Niseko base 6am: -4C, 20cm of broken snow crystals in the last 12 hrs. Moiwa 800m: -5C, wind NW5m/s, snowdrift development. Coastal data: wind NNW12m/s, 3.5m waves, pressure 1009hPa. Annupuri peak: weather station damaged.
Strong wind and snow from yesterday morning until midnight. Wind driven snow caused rapid snowdrift development. Snow deposited previous to low pressure system remains a weak layer. All peak gates will be closed today for the safety of all resort users. Most avalanche accidents during or just after a storm, please take care. According to data and observation the snowpack is starting to stabilise, however open steep slopes and knolls should be avoided. Do not let poor judgement or experience get you into a dangerous situation which may cause an accident.
Niseko Rules have been developed over many years, through many bitter experiences, by the local mountain community to protect all mountain users. Individuals who continually disrespect or disregard Niseko Rules have no right to live in this community. Do not duck ropes. Do not enter strictly off limits areas. Be careful of cracks.
The snow is heavy but good in the trees.
Niseko Now 2012-2013 season |
Data as of Sunday 3rd March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1325cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 91 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 30cm 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.