Visitor Center Report

Although there was a lull for a short while, blizzard conditions have generally continued since early
this morning.
The snow is wet and heavy, so drivers should be careful.
Although the weather has been warm these last few days, conditions are naturally different at the
base of the Daisetsuzan mountains.
It snowed. And not only did it snow, but the snow stuck and piled up.
Spring normally arrives like this, with a repeating pattern of warm temperatures and snow. Even
so, today’s weather was unexpected.
Nevertheless, the snowfall total in Sounkyo for March has been extremely small. Last year’s total
(which was too high) reached 252 cm, while this year’s is only 94 cm. The two years really
cannot be compared.
Although there have been other years in the past when snowfall fell below 100 cm (the latest being
2008), the average is close to 200 cm.
It should be added, though, that snowfall in the mountains has been about as heavy as last year’s.
Photos: Sounkyo Gorge in a blizzard. Trees in the vicinity became snow-covered in no time at all.
Apr. 4

The photograph shows Momijidani Valley, a popular walking area in Sounkyo.
In contrast to last year, the amount of snow remaining at the base of the Daisetsuzan mountains this year is extremely small. (There is approximately 50 cm less snow on the ground.)
The photo was taken near the entrance to the valley, and as you can see, there is almost no snow there. However, upon entering the trail, one finds that there is still a lot of snow remaining.
Looking at the forecast, it appears that this year’s melting season will be early, which of course means that visitors will be able to walk on a snow-free trail earlier.
Photo: Entrance to Momojidani Apr. 3

During a walk I came across a beehive.
Bees do not present a danger at this time of year, and this was a hive I’d seen before.
However, when I looked closely, I saw that the hive’s size had increased.
It seems the bees have built a new lower level.
Although this hive happened to be built in a tree hollow, bees will make their hives in a variety of places.
Every year we get reports of people getting stung, so please watch out this year.
Photo: A beehive made inside a tree hollow Apr. 3

A Cervus nippon yesoensis fawn on the side of the road…
It did not move even when I approached to get a better look…
It seemed to be looking at nothing in particular and showed no intention to escape.
Was it injured? Or perhaps sick?
And then I heard the cry of its parent from a high place in the forest.
Hearing this, the fawn hastily jumped up and ran into the forest. The weather was nice and the temperature mild, so its place on the ground must have been quite warm.
Still, it was a dangerous place to be sunning itself.
Photos: Cervus nippon yesoensis fawn Apr. 2

As the temperature rises, the surfaces of the Daisetsuzan peaks are becoming exposed, albeit gradually.
A lot of snow still remains. And although the snow is melting day by day, there are still more heavy snow days to come.
I hope that this year, finally, I’ll be able to walk through virtually snow-free mountains.
Photos: The Daisetsuzan peaks as seen from Daisetsu Kogen Asahigaoka Apr. 2