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Northway is on hold due to avalanche danger. We can't get near the lift. Two patrollers were buried the day before yesterday trying to clear the way for the crew to get to the towers to check alignment for the first lap (They were okay). This caused the crew to be evacuated. The rope needs an MRT (4.5 SF) before the chairs can go on. So we wait.

Splicer, on Dec 4 2007, 05:58 PM, said:

Why MRT, new rope or is there damage?

Splicer, on Dec 4 2007, 02:58 PM, said:

Do you mind explaining what the "first lap" and MRT (4.5 SF) parts of the above post mean? Thanks. Also, what is the status of the cable as of now, I assume it strung around but not spliced? Do you know if all the chairs are assembled now?

Rope is spliced (check out the photo). MRT (magnetic rope test) is required on a 4.5 safety factor rope within the first year. There are 197 chairs and they don't want to remove them for a rope test next summer.

At Loon we've finished splicing the cable for detachable Lincoln and fixed grip Tote Road. Lincoln was a back breaking, 43mm, one-and-a-half day job in the snow. Tote Road was a speedy, 38mm, one day pleasure (after Lincoln). It was a bullwheel splice but not difficult. All of the pictures below are from Lincoln, I forgot a camera for Tote Road.

 dscf0007.jpg (65.94K)
Number of downloads: 70 wrapping a strand
 dscf0008.jpg (65.24K)
Number of downloads: 53 pulling block and anti-twist
 dscf0010.jpg (59.82K)
Number of downloads: 53 straightening a tail before tucking
 dscf0013.jpg (39.58K)
Number of downloads: 48 close-up of the hydraulic tail straightener
 dscf0015.jpg (53.44K)
Number of downloads: 26 cutting torch
 dscf0016.jpg (59.2K)
Number of downloads: 39 cutting a strand down to a tail
 dscf0017.jpg (47.64K)
Number of downloads: 44 bottom terminal and new tent-lodge
 dscf0018.jpg (63.17K)
Number of downloads: 25 looking up line at the rigging
 dscf0020.jpg (57.32K)
Number of downloads: 28 same from farther back. New valve "bunker" on the left.
This post has been edited by SuperRat: 05 December 2007 - 06:05 PM

Yikes,! try using carpenter style saw horses. It's easier on the old back.

Splicer, on Dec 6 2007, 12:35 AM, said:

We had a couple of those. If I was next to one when it came time to wrap I'd keep it but most everyone else would kick them out with the crosses. There was some talk about "old school" splicing using nothing but arms and legs. Oh well.

Northway is complete! Today the last of the chairs went on and it was running this afternoon. Chair pads and signage were being done as well. Load test is on Tuesday, it should be open by Saturday if there is enough snow.

Pictures are up of Northway at http://www.skicrystal.com/1733.html

Revelstoke Gondola 42 cabins 6.1 m/s

I never knew how steep that lift was at the top! Do you think there is enough snow? I don't.

Northway is very steep at the top and at one spot in the middle. This picture gives you a good idea of it. As for snow, it does need a bit more to open. The worst part is the bottom, as they ran out of time to get the fallen trees out of there. The top chutes under the chair are going to be closed because of low chair clearance anyways. I skied the upper portion of the new Otto-Bahn trail yesterday and coverage was fine.

So the chutes below the chair will always be closed then?

Thats a heck of a span into the breakovers too, I look forward to taking a trip out there to ski Crystal.

LuvPow, on Dec 9 2007, 10:45 AM, said:

Are they planning on increasing the capacity later on?

lastchair_44, on Dec 10 2007, 07:54 AM, said:

They will be adding the second stage next year.. the lower gondola that links the real estate to the ski hil.... other than that... don't know.
Load test today.

LuvPow, on Dec 10 2007, 08:14 AM, said:

Actually I remember hearing it will be 120 cabins after second stage is completed....

poloxskier, on Dec 9 2007, 09:55 PM, said:

Do it if you can. It's a great hill, lots of good steep stuff all over.

Snoqualmieguy- if the chutes up top are already closed due to low clearance (and there isn't much snow there right now) then yes, it will be a permanent closure.

"the old homewood express":



some of the action:






This post has been edited by asendr: 20 December 2007 - 06:17 PM

a new fixed grip double in the pacific n.w.







dang! it's startin' to snow up in here.