Niseko Now: Wednesday 8th January 2014
- Jan 8, 2014
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 10cm
Snowfall at base this season 530cm
Posted on Wednesday 8th January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
It's another 10cm or so of snow to report this morning, though it is a relatively warm one - into the positives! - and so rather wet snow conditions to what we are used to.
It should be getting colder though as the day moves on today and from tomorrow too it should be a return to winter cold. So just a blip I think.
Just cloud here now but snow due over the coming days into the weekend so we should be getting regular refills.
---
Niseko Avalanche Report
Niseko base 6am: 0C, 5cm of wet crystal snow. Moiwa 800m: -3C, northerly breeze, 15cm of fresh. Annupuri 1150m: NW11m/s, -7C, 15m of snowdrifts. Annupuri peak 1308m: NW8.4m/s, -7C. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNW11m/s, Kamui cape: N10m/s, 1.2m waves, 1013hPa.
Wet snowfall due to a low-pressure system inducing warm air inflow. The wind is calm and development of snowdrift is slim. A notable Jan 7th layer will form in the future snowpack due to change in temperature. Although the surface hasn’t been reset, the snow is generally in good condition. The overall avalanche risk is low, however large avalanche (120cm thick) from Jan 3rd layer triggered by humid surface slab slide is to be considered in south facing Haru no taki area. Do not enter those strictly off-limits areas. Gates are scheduled to open from the morning, please follow the ski patrol's instructions.
Many of the avalanche accidents occur in leeward slopes with heavy snowdrift deposit. Better not stimulate slopes with cornices or knoll terrain during of just after storms. They can let go very easily. Be aware that surface slabs formed due to sun-exposure (sun-crusts/film-crusts) can sometimes induce slides from deeper unstable layers. Prudence and vigilance will avoid accidents.
---
Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing:
Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 310cm
Base - 150cm
Niseko Village:
Top - 230cm
Base - 160cm
Annupuri:
Top - 195cm
Base - 180cm
Niseko Now 2013-2014 season |
Data as of Wednesday 8th January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 530cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 39 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 132cm reported on 8 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.