Visitor Center Report

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 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

Coloring Sorbus matsumurana leaves have spread across the entire slope of Daiichi Kaen and have nearly reached their peak beauty.
According to the one-week weather forecast, the weather should become unsettled from the 17th. Plummeting temperatures are predicted, so people who are thinking of visiting Mt. Aka’s Ginsendai should do so soon. The spreading of the fall leaves will soon reverse direction and gradually move to lower elevations from Ginsendai.
Photos: Sorbus matsumurana leaves at Daiichi Kaen, Mt. Aka Sep. 15

Some of the early-turning Sorbus matsumurana leaves at Daisan Sekkei have fallen. However, deep red leaves remain conspicuous throughout the area and are still beautiful.
Photos: Daisan Sekkei, Mt. Aka Sep. 15

Like Ishimuro, the Sorbus matsumurana leaves around Kumonotaira have started to wither somewhat; however, the Sieversia pentapetala, Salix reinii, and other grasses have become even more darkly colored recently.
There are still a few green leaves in the area, so the viewing season should continue here for a while.
I should note, however, that the temperature at Kurodake Ishimuro was very cold at 2°C early this morning.
Climbers should be fully prepared and remember to bring warm clothing.
For mountain information, see: http://sounkyovc.net/trails/kuro/140913kuro.pdf
Photos: Near Kumonotaira Sep. 13