Author: vc-dev

Another lenticular cloud?

weather: Clear Temperature: -3 ℃

Today a giant mass of a cloud appeared above the Sounkyo Gorge.
What kind of cloud was it?
Was it a “lenticular cloud” portending bad weather to come? Or was it a cumulonimbus cloud (thundercloud)?
Looking up today, a variety of clouds could be seen.
Cirrus clouds, cirrocumulus clouds, nimbostratus clouds, stratus clouds…
Days with such amazing changes in the sky are quite rare.
When climbing or doing other activities, it is sometimes possible to predict what the weather will do by looking at the type of clouds above.
I recommend that everyone develop an interest in the clouds; it could prove very useful.
Photo: A lenticular cloud? At Sounkyo Dec. 5

Even in the flat areas…

weather: Cloudy Temperature: 3 ℃

This bird is known for living in the high mountains, but during the winter it also comes down to level ground.
Today I heard a birdsong that I don’t encounter often, a sound like “pyuru, pyuru.” Even though the source was far away, I decided to take a photo anyway. When I blew up my picture, I found that there were four female pine grosbeaks (Pinicola enucleator) in the frame.
I had ventured out early this morning to take photos of Pteromys volans orii, but even though it’s December, it rained the whole time.
I had given up and was heading back when I encountered the birds.
Even so, it’s raining in December. Looks like the weather is not going to be cooperative even in this season…
Photo: A female Pinicola enucleator Dec. 5

Frost flowers

weather: Cloudy

It was cold again this morning…
The low temperature outside the center was -10°C.
On mornings when it gets this cold, “frost flowers” appear as a common winter sight.
Also called “ice flowers,” they form when moisture in the air attaches to the surfaces of ice, rocks, or other objects and freezes. The frozen moisture then grows in a shape resembling flower pedals.
They appeared as a mysterious phenomenon this morning.
Photo: Frost flowers in Momijidani Valley, Sounkyo Dec. 4

Needle ice

weather: Clear Temperature: -4 ℃

Cold days continue at Sounkyo…
The temperature outside the center was -6°C this morning. It is currently -4°C. However, there is no wind, which makes the cold a little easier to bear.
This morning, needle ice formed, seemingly spurred by the cold.
In sharp contrast to last year, the November snowfall in Sounkyo was extremely small.
Total snowfall totaled 68 cm and the accumulated snow depth was 29 cm. These figures are only half of their annual averages. Indeed, they are only about half of last year’s figures, which showed total snowfall of 137 cm and the accumulated depth of 50 cm.
According to statistics of the Japan Meteorological Agency, this year has had the sixth smallest snowfall since 1984.
Although simple comparison here is impossible, it is worth mentioning that 155 cm of snow has accumulated at Mt. Kurodake’s 7th Station, which is low compared to last year’s measurement of 220 cm in the high mountains.
However, as is well known, this is a heavy snow area.
Although it is very unlikely that this trend will continue, if we look at November data only, we might have to think of Sounkyo as a “light snow” area.
It is still not quite time to bring out the snowshoes…
Photo: Needle ice at Sounkyo Dec. 3

Sorbus commixta berries wearing “hats”

weather: Snow Temperature: -3 ℃

Beginning yesterday and continuing until early this morning, some 20 cm of snow fell around the center.
Although snow has fallen several times this winter, this was the first time we’ve had such a large snowfall.
It seems the snow covering is finally here to stay. The Kurodake Ski Resort opens today and the winter climbing season has begun.
The Sorbus commixta berries in front of the center appear to be wearing puffy “hats” of snow.
Photo: Sorbus commixta berries covered with snow Nov. 28