Due to several consecutive cold fronts bringing sub-zero temperatures to the highlands, Jioming Lake has been snowed in over the past few days, with snow accumulation on parts of the trail reaching knee height. The Xiangyang Police Station is urging hikers to postpone their climbs.
“The Yushan juniper needs to go on a diet,” and “Grandpa Yushan needs a heater,” said Mr. Yu, director of the Indigenous Jioming Lake Rescue Association. He described the area around Jioming Lake these past few days as nothing short of “freezing cold,” with snow covering the Yushan junipers and the Jioming Lake Couple Trees.
Hikers noted that the once lush and sturdy “Yushan juniper” is now completely buried. What used to be “Grandpa” now looks like the “White-Haired Witch of the Mountain,” so plump it needs to shed some weight. Meanwhile, the Couple Trees in front of Jioming Lake have also donned a snowy white outfit, appearing pure and pristine against the blue sky.
Xiangyang Police Station Chief Chang Nengwei stated that hikers who descended in the past two days reported heavy snow on the Jioming Lake Trail. Currently, hikers can only advance as far as the Xiangyang Shelter. Beyond that, toward Blackwater Pond, snow has accumulated up to 10 centimeters, and only well-equipped climbers are being allowed to proceed.
Director Yu urged hikers that those planning to visit Jioming Lake must carry sufficient food and cold-weather gear such as down jackets. Otherwise, they should not attempt the climb rashly, as it could easily lead to danger. 1030215
(CNA)