Visitor Center Report

The Vulpes vulpes schrencki have grown new bushy winter coats. (The process begins at the end of September.)
I think the foxes look more attractive in their winter coats.
While they tend to look slightly skinny in their summer coats, they present a very charming appearance in winter.
Photo: Vulpes vulpes schrencki Oct. 23

It is very cold again today.
The temperature outside the center early this morning was -7°C.
In this environment, ice columns called “needle ice” can form. Such ice can be seen very early on cold mornings.
Needle ice forms when water in the ground freezes. However it is different from the frost that forms when moisture in the air freezes.
When the ground’s surface is cooled by changes in the temperature, water in the ground moves up to the surface.
When this water freezes and grows at the surface, the result is needle ice. Today I saw needle ice of over 10 cm in length covering a wide area.
Photos: Needle ice Oct. 23

One thing to look forward to each year is the “fallen leaves art.” This year, too, one can find colorful leaves that resemble a painting.
Although the leaves are falling with more intensity now, it is still possible to find beautiful maple leaves in some areas.
However, given that snow tends to fall when the weather deteriorates at this time of year, people planning to go over a pass should put winter tires on their car. (Early this morning signs announced that cars with summer tires will not be permitted to travel over any of the passes.)
*For mountain information, see: http://sounkyovc.net/trails/kuro/141015%2016soun.pdf
Photos: Fallen Acer japonicum and other leaves Oct. 16

The snow that started falling yesterday created the scenes shown in the photos in the gorge’s upper areas.
Mt. Kurodake’s eastern face is completely covered with snow, and Sekihoku Pass and other areas have snow on the ground.
Cars going over the pass will require winter tires.
Please note that the trails on Mt. Kurodake are very slippery. Climbers going with a “summer mindset” will face extreme difficulty.
Also, please note that the climbing office at Mt. Kurodake’s 7th Station will close on the 16th.
As for the fall foliage in the gorge, more and more leaves are falling, although colorful leaves can still be seen in some areas.
Photos: Sounkyo Gorge (left and center) and the vicinity of the 5th Station (right) Oct. 15

The weather at Sounkyo today has been unstable, with cloudy skies and occasional rain. And the wind is very strong.
Nonetheless, the gorge’s fall leaves are hanging on from its entrance to the area of the hot spring village.
However, it must be remembered that it is mid-October. Although browning and falling leaves are noticeable now, in some places bright red Acer japonicum can still be seen.
Tomorrow’s weather report predicts lighter winds and sunshine. Because the leaves in the gorge are along the national route, I ask everyone who visits to please drive safely.
If you’re planning to go over the pass, please check the weather forecasts before setting out. At this time of year, there is a very good chance that rain will turn to snow at high altitudes.
*For mountain information, see: http://sounkyovc.net/trails/kuro/141012%2013soun.pdf

Photos: Fall leaves near the power station (left and center) and Sounkyo Gorge (right) Oct. 11