Niseko Now: Saturday 4th January 2014
- Jan 4, 2014
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 15cm
Snowfall at base this season 453cm
Posted on Saturday 4th January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Another nice cold morning with another 15cm or so of new snowfall to report. It's not going to get much above -5 degrees here at base today, with temperatures down into minus double figures higher up. Go out prepared! And prepared for some excellent snow conditions as well. No doubt some people want to see clear skies and some views, but I think most people will be in Niseko primarily to experience those famous snow conditions. On that score, this weekend will definitely deliver.
Having said that, there are signs that the clouds might clear a bit this morning and the sun might even try to make an guest appearance at today and tomorrow. Even so, the snow clouds probably won't be far away, if we are to believe the forecasts.
All resort areas on the mountain seem to be open as planned this morning with the only exception being a late start for the Swinging Monkey lift at Hirafu due to some kind of maintenance.
We're still in New Year mode in Japan, and it is still busy out there. Most Japanese go back to work early in the week and so it's back to something like normal from Monday. Peak season in Niseko though is never quiet!
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Niseko base 6am: -7C, 10cm of crystal snow. Moiwa 800m: NW8m/s, 10cm of fresh, moderate development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: NW12m/s, -9C, 10cm of fresh, moderate development of snowdrifts. Hirafu 1000m: 10cm of fresh, moderate development of snowdrifts. Annupuri peak 1308m: NW11m/s, -14C. Wind forecast at noon: NW15m/s. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW13m/s, Kaui cape WNW9m/s, 1.4m waves, 1007hPa.
Isobars are spacing out and the wind is stagnating below NW15m/s. No drastic development of snwdrifts can be observed and the general avalanche risk is low. Peak gates are scheduled to open. Seek for ski patrol’s advice at the gate before stepping out of bounds. The resort is not managing the area outside the gates and avalanches can happen at any time in steep slopes, cornice slopes and knolls during winter. Beginners should not go or be taken to places like the Backbowl. The mountain condition is ever changing; hazard level and snow conditions change everyday. Although Niseko may be a gentle mountain, negligence could lead critical consequences. Have a nice day.
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Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing:
Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 280cm
Base - 125cm
Niseko Village:
Top - 195cm
Base - 135cm
Annupuri:
Top - 155cm
Base - 140cm
Niseko Now 2013-2014 season |
Data as of Saturday 4th January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 453cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 35 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 35cm (14th, 15th and 24th December) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 55cm 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.