Visitor Center Report

The Rhododendron aureum are blooming near Ishimuro. There are still many buds remaining, so we can expect them to form communities in the days ahead.
The Rhododendron aureum are also blooming at Kumonotaira, although much snow still remains in areas where they normally form communities. Thus, it will be a while longer before the communities appear.
The Diapensia lapponica subsp. obovata flowers are still in peak viewing season, although their numbers are dwindling.
*The area around the Akaishi River is still completely covered with snow. The snow level has fallen in some places, so the river may become fordable at an early stage if the weather remains good. (At the present time, it is still possible to walk on the snow.)
*There is more snow than usual remaining in the snowy gorge at the Mt. Hokuchindake junction.
However, the slope is not as undulated as usual and has become somewhat easier to walk on with the early snowmelt.
*A snowy gorge remains before the Ohachidaira viewing platform, but the snow at Kumonotaira has disappeared.
*For mountain information, see: http://sounkyovc.net/trails/kuro/140624kuro.pdf
Photos: Rhododendron aureum near Ishimuro (left), Diapensia lapponica subsp. obovata and Rhododendron aureum (center and right) Jun. 24

These photos were taken at Pon Kurodake.
Mt. Hokuchindake’s Hakucho no Sekkei (swan-shaped snowy gorge) is becoming increasingly distinct.
Although the flowers are delightful, the scenery on fine days like today is so magnificent, it doesn’t seem real; it’s almost like looking at a photograph.
Blooming flowers in the area include Diapensia lapponica subsp. Obovata, Loiseleuria procumbens,
Potentilla miyabei, and Phyllodoce caerulea.
Photos: Mt. Hokuchindake’s Hakucho no Sekkei and Phyllodoce caerulea (Ohachidaira can be seen in the background) Jun. 24

Some of the flowers that bloomed early due to the high temperatures we had in late May and early June are wilting. However, the Potentilla miyabei and Dicentra peregrina are beginning to bloom in their place.
The Diapensia lapponica subsp. obovata and Loiseleuria procumbens are still going strong, and the weather forecast predicts continuing sunny skies.
Moreover, the number of Dicentra peregrina flowers will likely increase.
Photos: Potentilla miyabei with Mt. Niseikaushuppe in the background (left) and still sparse Dicentra peregrina (right) Jun. 24

The flowers have become highly conspicuous from the area past the 9th Station.
In particular, the number of Anemone narcissiflora var. japonomonantha continues to increase just below the peak, and the Weigela middendorffiana that form large communities every year are budding in considerable numbers.
Although their progress will depend on good weather in the days ahead, I found some Weigela middendorffiana already blooming during my descent.
It will not be much longer until the 9th Station becomes alive with flowers.
Photos: Anemone narcissiflora var. japonomonantha by the trail (left), newly blooming Weigela middendorffiana (center), and the short and highly popular Fritillaria camtschatcensis (right) Jun.24

Much of the snow on the slope visible from Mt. Kurodake’s 5th viewing platform appeared to have melted. However, when I actually went to see the slope, I found that a lot of snow still remains.
Although melting has undeniably progressed since the last report, care is still required.
In particular, the section between the 7th Station and the upper area of the 8th Station is completely covered with snow.
Even though steps have been cut into the snow, there are still many areas that require climbing directly up the slope.
Upon passing the snow depth pole at the 9th Station there is a snowy gorge measuring about 10 meters. Beyond this there is a small amount of snow remaining directly below the peak; however, the snow has generally disappeared for the most part.
Be sure to bring all of the gear you need to climb safely.
Be particularly careful when descending.
Photos: The 7th Station (left), 8th Station (center), and 9th Station (right) Jun. 24