Niseko Now: Saturday 9th January 2016
- Jan 9, 2016
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 11cm
Snowfall at base this season 379cm
Posted on Saturday 9th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Good morning from Niseko and the start of the long weekend as Monday being a holiday in Japan (Coming of Age Day).
As far as I can tell this morning Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri resort areas all went ahead with their planned early morning services and they will also be happening tomorrow and Monday - more details on those can be found below.
So yes, I have more fresh snow to report this morning as it continues to pile up. My ruler tell me it's another 11cm, so the last five days it has been around 10cm-15cm of fresh per day. (Here at base of course. No doubt more up there on the mountain). If you take a look at the graph near the bottom of the page as well (during today), you will see just how consistent the last few weeks has been. Very nice.
There still doesn't look like there will be much of a break in the snowfall in the coming week as it is still forecast to be falling from the skies at a consistent pace. Soon we will no doubt be hearing some folk yearning for clear sunny weather rather than snow. Actually I wouldn't mind that myself - as long as we get the snow overnight before it of course.
It is snowing still as I write the report this morning and should continue be for most of the day with some forecasts predicting the snow easing off this afternoon but back later tonight.
There's not much else to report really - all is good. Very good, in fact.
I hope that you have a very enjoyable weekend.
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Niseko Avalanche Report:
Niseko base 6am: -6℃, 10cm of new snow, no development of snowdrifts. Moiwa 800m: -8℃, light westerly breeze, 15cm of new snow with snowdrift development. Mikaeri anemometer: -10.8℃, W1.8m/s. Annupuri 1150m: -9℃, W15m/s, snowdrifts developing. Hirafu 1000m: -10℃, mild westerly wind, 10cm new snow with overnight snowdrift development. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW18m/s, Kamui cape WSW12m/s, 1009hPa, 2.6m waves.
The winter pressure distribution continues with moderate snow and wind above 800m, stronger wind in higher elevation. The new snowdrifts are forming soft slabs, the general avalanche risk is moderate in most areas. Peak gates are scheduled to open. Listen to the ski patrol’s instructions before stepping out of the gates.
Intermittent stronger snowfall and wind are predicted as the isobars moves on. Beware of hypothermia and frostbites. The hazard evaluation is relatively low at this stage but the conditions may change quickly. Always remain prudent and humble in the mountains. The snow is in a fantastic condition.
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Niseko Grand Hirafu 'Early Morning'
Dates: Until Sunday 31st January 2016
Time: 8:00am until 8:20am
Cost: 500 yen
Details: Ace Number 2 Quad lift with the Super, Furiko, Green, Alpen and Sen-no-ki courses open
Niseko Annupuri 'First Run'
Dates: Sunday 10th, Monday 11th January 2016
Time: 7:20am until 8:20am
Cost: 1,000 yen
Details: Gondola operation
Niseko Village 'Early Morning Gondola'
Dates: Sunday 10th, Monday 11th January 2016
Time: 7:30am until 8:30am
Cost: 1,300 yen
Details: Gondola operation
It's important to note that these early morning lift operations require special tickets, which basically means that you have to pay extra for them. Season tickets and normal day passes cannot be used. In the case of bad weather conditions they may be cancelled.
Niseko Now 2015-2016 season |
Data as of Saturday 9th January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 379cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 29 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (26th and 28th December) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 74cm 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.