Author: vc-dev

The conditions of the snowy gorges on the trail have changed dramatically since the previous report.
I found during my descent that the gorge of around 2 meters that existed past the 7th Station snow depth pole had completely disappeared. With this, all of the snow has melted between the northeast face of Mt. Kurodake and the Hokuchindake junction. (The snow in front of the Ohachidaira lookout also disappeared today.)
The number of blooming Weigela middendorffiana flowers has increased even more from the 8th Station to the peak. These flowers are in their best viewing season, although some wilting can now be seen near the peak. The trail has become even more colorful with the addition of Weigela middendorffiana as well as Trollius riederianus, Geranium erianthum f. pallescens, and Dactylorhiza aristata.
In addition, communities of Therorhodion camtschaticum have formed between the peak and Pon Kurodake. Mixed in among them are Patrinia sibirica, Dicentra peregrina, and Pennellianthus frutescens that make this area very attractive as well.
Photos: Near Mt. Kurodake’s 7th Station (left), near the 9th Station (center), and near the peak (right) Jul. 16

It was sunny in Daisetsuzan’s Sounkyo until just a little while ago. Now all of a sudden it has become cloudy. The weather has been somewhat unstable recently、and for the past few days I have had to give up my reporting due to bad weather.
The weather report predicts an improvement from around the 16th, so I ask readers to please wait just a little longer for a new report.
Now, a warning: Ursus arctos yesonesisdroppings were spotted near the Mt. Midori lookout.
The droppings had dried, so they were probably several days old. Nonetheless, the amount suggests that the animal was quite large. Climbers must take steps to avoid encountering the Ursus arctos yesonesis, such as carrying a bell or whistle.
Photo: Ursus arctos yesonesis droppings Jul. 13

The Pedicularis oederi subsp. heteroglossa near the Mt. Hakuun hut are approaching their best time for viewing.
At the same time, Arenaria arctica var. arctica communities (shown in the photo) can be seen here and there and are also at their most beautiful.
Although a lot of snow still remains, communities of Sieversia pentapetala, Phyllodoce caerulea, and Phyllodoce aleutica are finally forming where the snow has melted.
Photos: Near the Mt. Hakuun hut Jul. 13

The photograph shows the boardwalk near Daini Hanabatake. The nearby snow is disappearing.
The same is true at Daiichi Hanabatake.
However, in general, a lot of snow remains. There are snowy gorges measuring approximately 90 meters from the area past the Daiichi Hanabatake sign and 100 meters past the Daini Hanabatake sign, 90 meters in the upper area of Daini Hanabatake, and 200 meters before the rocky slope.
In particular, the area around the rocky slope requires caution when descending.
Photo: Near Daini Hanabatake Jul. 13

The distance across the snowy gorge below the junction has shortened since the last report; however, a lot of snow still remains.
Although there are no undulations in the snow, climbers are advised to be fully prepared and to proceed carefully when ascending and descending.
The snow level has fallen at the Akaishi River and the gabions are now visible. The river can be crossed by using them.
The snowy gorge on the photograph’s left has completely dropped, so climbers should cross using the gabions, being sure to possess all of the equipment needed.
Photos: Snowy gorge below the Mt. Hokuchindake junction (left) and Akaishi River (right) Jul. 8