Author: vc-dev

The Kogen-numa course is a quagmire.

weather: Cloudy Temperature: 11 ℃

The Kogen-numa course has many puddles and muddy areas on the trail due to rain and snow that fell continuously for several days. The trail will prove very slippery to people wearing low shoes. Even just walking normally is extremely difficult.
Such muddy conditions will likely remain for several days even in good weather. Accordingly, long boots, spats, and other such equipment will be needed when taking the course.
Photos: The trail near Midori-numa Sep. 20

Updates (continued)

weather: Cloudy Temperature: 9 ℃

Mt. Kurodake: The snow on the eastern face has melted. However, the snow has left the trail extremely slippery. Winter conditions exist from the peak.
Ginsendai, Mt. Aka: The snow that completely covered the slope has melted; however, the trail remains extremely slippery. Winter conditions exist from the peak. Like Mt. Kurodake, the route can be difficult to find.
Kogen-numa: The fall foliage has entered its peak season; however, the ground from Shikibu-numa to the upper area is covered with snow. There are many muddy areas and puddles on the trail, making it very slippery.
Sounkyo Gorge: The best season has yet to arrive, although the leaves are starting to turn.
The above are important points to bear in mind. Climbers should note that full-scale winter conditions exist in the mountains. Climbing in light clothing will be extremely difficult and traversing the mountains is risky at this time of year. (In some places, the snow’s depth can be between 50 cm and the height of a person’s waist.) Climbers should be sure to bring all of the gear needed to climb safely.
September 19, 2014

Updates

weather: Cloudy Temperature: 7 ℃

Here I would like to provide the following information and updates.
・ Snow has fallen since yesterday afternoon and the eastern face of Mt. Kurodake is now completely covered with snow.
・ Mt.Aka’sGinsendaiiscompletelycoveredwithsnow.
・ The fall foliage at Kogen-numa has entered its peak season. (The area from Shikibu-numa to
the upper area has a light covering of snow.) Restrictions will come into effect on the 20th. Climbers going before then should watch out for frozen areas in the mornings and evenings. Climbers should also proceed carefully, as there are many muddy areas and puddles on the trail.
・ Kurodake Ishimuro will be open to lodgers until September 30th. The caretaker plans to come down on October 8.
・ ThecaretakerattheMt.HakuunhutwillbeondutythereuntilSeptember27andplanstocome down on September 28.
Following the first snow on the 16th, the weather forecast predicts lower temperatures today and tomorrow. Thus, it could snow at any time.
The weather is expected to stabilize somewhat from the 20th. However, people who are planning to climb should expect winter conditions. Please be on the safe side by being fully prepared.
September 18, 2014

Mt. Kurodake today

weather: Clear Temperature: 10 ℃

This is Mt. Kurodake as it appears today.
There appears to be some snow on the mountain, but snow on the trails has melted.
However, the temperatures are below zero and so the trails have become quite slippery.
The peak is currently covered with snow, but that snow may melt quickly when the temperature rises later in the day.
Those who are planning to climb Mt. Kurodake should note that an environment approaching winter conditions exists at the peak. Climbers should be sure to bring all of the gear needed to climb safely.
I should mention that the leaves are still changing colors in the stream valleys below the 9th Station. The fall foliage can be seen down to the near the 6th Station.
Before long, the fall foliage will come down to even lower elevations and arrive in the Sounkyo Gorge.
Photo: Mt. Kurodake as seen from the hot spring village Sep. 17

“The first snow is early, too…”

weather: Cloudy Temperature: 14 ℃

The first snow of the season fell throughout the Omote Daisetsu area after 1:00 p.m. today.
This year in Daisetsu was marked by the early blooming of alpine plants in June due to warm temperatures, the early ending of that blooming, the early arrival of the fall foliage season in August due to cool temperatures, and now an early snowfall.
Photos: Near Mt. Hokuchindake (left) and Mt Aibetsu (right) Sep. 16