Niseko Now: Wednesday 6th March 2013
- Mar 6, 2013
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 0cm
Snowfall at base this season 1345cm
Weather overview Cloud, light snow
Wind
Light
Temperature 0C base / -3C top
Visibility Decent
Posted at 10:19am on Wednesday 6th March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
I had fun out there yesterday and was a bit surprised to find some fairly deep untouched snow out in places. Was good.
No fresh cm of snow to report to you this morning from Hirafu, though it has been snowing and a thin layer of snow on the car outside now. Visibility not as good this morning on mountain. It's quite a mild morning but temperatures remaining around the zero level at the moment.
Poor visibility and conditions have the top lifts at Niseko Annupuri and Niseko Village not moving early on, and it seems the Niseko Gondola has been operating at reduced speed. The King Number 4 only opened up a short while ago after a late start because of wind.
Similar conditions are forecast for tomorrow.
Avalanche Information
Niseko base 6am: -2C, no new snowfall, snow surface has melted and refrozen. Moiwa 800m: no new snowfall, -3C. Annupuri peak: -6.3C. Coastal data: wind SW4m/s, 0.4m waves, pressure 1006hPa. At 1000m the wind is expected to be SW15m/s by 12pm. Currently Annupuri snow depth is 400cm at 1000m elevation.
The temperature has risen then cooled off again with the passing of low pressure system, which has caused the surface of the snow to melt and refreeze again. Below 800m a 2cm thick crust has formed. Today's layer will become a significant layer in the future snowpack regardless of altitude. General avalanche risk is low, however on SE faces around 1000m, below the ridge line, the March 1st layer (pre low pressure snowfall) persists as a potential weak layer. Also beware massive cornice chunks breaking off.
The snow conditions are not good today. Below 800m the groomed runs are hard, in the trees is difficult to remain in control, be careful. Peak gates opening times yet to be determined. Please respect ski patrols decisions. The weather can change quickly. The snow surface is hard to see, beware cracks. Dont duck ropes to leave the resort.
Niseko Now 2012-2013 season |
Data as of Wednesday 6th March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1345cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 93 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 50cm reported on 5 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.