Niseko Now: Thursday 4th February 2021
- Feb 4, 2021
- 4 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 22cm
Snowfall at base this season 849cm
Posted on Thursday 4th February 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
I have two main good things to report this morning - lots more snow and less wind. Hurray! It is good and cold too with temperatures down into minus double digits, even here at base.
As I prepared to post this report at 8:30am the only lift that was marked as on hold was the top King Number 4 at Niseko Grand Hirafu... but that also now seems to be scheduled to open (along with all other lifts that should be open).
All forecasts still show us getting consistent snow through next week. It might get a bit milder around Saturday, but other than that temperatures should be remaining low.
Visibility is variable at the start of the day but rather limited in places. Take care if you are out there.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Coastal Data 6:25am. Cape Benkei:NW10m/s. Cape Kamui:W12m/s, 1010hPa, wave2.2m. Hanazono 1000m: -17.3℃, E2.9m/s. Hanazono 720: -13.9℃, WSW4.3m/s. Moiwa 800m: -14.3℃, N5.6m/s. Annupuri 1100m: -17.4℃, WNW7.6m/s. Yu no Sawa 1100m: -17.0℃, WSW3.7m/s. Mizuno no Sawa Top: -16.1℃, WNW3.5m/s. Kutchan Town:-10.1℃, SSW2.2m/s, snow depth 174cm, 1011.0hPa. Moiwa base: -12, 30cm new snow in last 12hrs, calm.
The winter type pressure pattern continues however the isobars have spread a little further apart. The snow above 1000m has been blown off and dangerously accumulated on leeward slopes below 700m. Above 1100m cornice growth has been massive, up to 10m in some locations. Stimulation can break off huge pieces that can be extremely dangerous. As of 5am the snowdrift growth has slowed however from observation, data and snow transition, the avalanche risk continues to be high on leeward slopes above 1000m. Also best to avoid high elevation cornice faces like Kozan no Sawa and Higashi One.
Gate openings are yet to be decided. Peak gates are expected to be closed. Please follow the patrols instructions. Below 800m the forests are full of wind blown snow, the type of snow Niseko is famous for. A little heavy but good bounce. The snow off the side of the runs is deep, snowboarders should carry a pole. Is your beacon on? It can save you, and your friend’s life. Keep your eye on the weather and have a good day.
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Planned ski area operations: Thursday 4th February 2021
The below information is manually checked each morning from official sources.
The numbers in brackets show the change in the official snow depth numbers since the previous report.
Niseko Grand Hirafu
24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 20cm
- Base: 20cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 370cm (+10cm)
- Base: 215cm (+15cm)
Ski lifts operating:
- Top lift on hold at start of the day
- Planned: Ace Family Quad, Ace Quad Center 4, Hirafu Gondola, King Number 3 Quad, King Number 4
- Ace Family Quad and Ace Number 2 Center Four lifts operate for night skiing
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Niseko HANAZONO Resort
24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 12cm
- Base: 20cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 277cm (+13cm)
- Base: 210cm (+25cm)
Ski lifts operating:
- All lifts operating
- Planned: All three lifts
- There is no night skiing at Hanazono
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Niseko Annupuri
24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 10cm
- Base: 10cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 260cm (+0cm)
- Base: 190cm (+0cm)
Ski lifts operating:
- Top lift on hold at start of the day
- Planned: All lifts apart from Jumbo Number 2 and 3
- Jumbo Number 1 quad lift operates for night skiing
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Niseko Village
24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 5cm
- Base: 2cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 250cm (+0cm)
- Base: 170cm (+0cm)
Ski lifts operating:
- Top lift on hold at start of the day
- Planned: Niseko Gondola, Community Chair, Mori no Chair, Banzai Chair and Wonderland Chair
- Community Chair and Banzai Chair lifts operate for night skiing
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Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas until 7th March 2021. There is no night skiing in the Niseko HANAZONO area.
The Ace Pair Number 1, 3 and 4, King Pair Number 1 lift and King Quad Number 2 lifts are being rested for the season at Niseko Grand Hirafu. There may be other lift operation changes at the moment due to coronavirus situation. Do be sure to check for details with ski areas.
Niseko Now 2020-2021 season |
Data as of Thursday 4th February 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 849cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 62 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (31st December and 18th January) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 348cm reported on 25 days January 2021 snowfall 387cm reported on 27 days February 2021 snowfall 52cm reported on 4 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.