12 replies to this topic

[Bill]

From the Forest Service...

Quote

Crystal Mountain Expansion
A decision is expected this summer on proposed expansion of the Crystal Mountain Ski Area, which is located 35 miles southeast of Enumclaw in Eastern Pierce County. Forest managers received more than 1,000 public comments (from a 75-day public comment period) on a draft environmental impact statement, which analyzed six alternatives. Ski area operators sought approval to increase skier capacity by about 48 percent through replacement of three chair lifts and adding seven new ones, development of new ski terrain and construction of additional support facilities, including an aerial tram. The agency’s preferred alternative, announced some months ago and not yet finalized, called for a lesser expansion (to accommodate about a 36 percent increase in skier capacity), but highlights concerns about riparian areas and impacts to previously undeveloped backcountry terrain.

[liftmech]

I heard rumour Crystal was finally going to build the Campbell Basin lodge this summer? They poured the foundation several years ago (right on top of the old C-5 counterweight pad), but then stopped construction. They've needed a facility up there for some time, and all they had was a teensy little shack selling candy and cup-o-noodles.

[ISMrider]

Where is crystal mountian?

[Bill]

Washington State. www.skicrystal.com

[liftmech]

Crystal is Bill's and my alma mater, for what it's worth. Cool place, not sure I'd want to work there anymore but that's just my opinion. Some of the best lift-served backcountry in the west, requiring only a 10-20 minute hike from the top terminal depending upon where you're going. An area with a serious identity crisis- 'Are we a day area, a weekend getaway, or a destination resort?'
That's Crystal for you.

[Powdr]

I'm sure this isn't news to NWS but this is an interesting article about Cyrstal's plans:


Link

Powdr

 Crystal_Map_0823.gif (61.09K)
Number of downloads: 89

[SkiBachelor]

Um, what's up with the lift called Bullion Basin Express? Isn't that of the former CTEC triple that failed and had to be relocated because of bad snow conditions? I see that one express is missing from that map, but I presume that the forest service would'nt allow them to build a lift there anyway.

[Bill]

Bullion Basin does have lack of snow, but the snow depths have improved over the years. Liftmech and I were talking about this on his visit, I knew the East Peak Express wasn't going to happen. I see that they are indicating that Rainier Express would be upgraded.

Looks cool.

[Bill]

Quote

Forest Supervisor Signs Decision on
Crystal Mountain Ski Area Master Development Plan

Mountlake Terrace: August 16, 2004

Forest Supervisor John Phipps has signed the Record of Decision for the Crystal Mountain Master Development Plan Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Crystal Mountain, located in the Cascade Mountain range of Western Washington, is adjacent to Mount Rainier National Park and approximately 35 miles southeast of Enumclaw, Washington. The selected alternative (described below) will guide Crystal Mountain Ski Resort’s development over the next 10-15 years.

Of the six alternatives studied in the Draft EIS, Supervisor Phipps selected Alternative 6 with some modifications. Key components of the decision include: construction of a tram to the summit, a new chairlift in the North Country, a new hotel, and new wastewater treatment facilities; several watershed restoration projects; base area renovations and an additional base area; and employee housing.

Major differences between Alternative 6 in the Draft EIS and Alternative 6 Modified in the Record of Decision include eliminating the proposed construction of C-16 (East Peak) lift and trails, eliminating proposed snowmaking storage in the up-mountain lagoon at the base of Avalanche Basin, and parking lot modifications.

According to John Phipps, Forest Supervisor of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, “Many people, including members of the public, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, staff from Mt. Rainier National Park and the US Fish & Wildlife Service, Crystal Mountain staff, and Forest Service staff, have all been involved in this project. As a result of their involvement, I believe that natural resources are being protected and tribal concerns have been addressed while meeting recreationists’ needs.

Copies of the Crystal Mountain Master Development Plan Final EIS (seven volumes) and the Record of Decision may be viewed and/or downloaded from the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest website later this week at: www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/projects/crystal_eis/

Copies may also be reviewed at the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Mountlake Terrace, WA (phone: 425-744-3403), and at Snoqualmie Ranger District Offices in Enumclaw, WA (phone: 360-825-6585) and North Bend (phone: 425-888-1421).

[Bill]

Quote

Dear Reviewer:

The Record of Decision (ROD) and the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Crystal Mountain Master Development Plan is now available for review on the Forest’s website (www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/projects/crystal_eis/). The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest completed this ROD and FEIS under an agreement with SE Group, and in coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service.

Based on additional analysis and comments received to the Draft EIS that was published in August of 2001, I selected Alternative 6 with modifications. Those modifications include:

The C-16 (East Peak) lift and trails have been eliminated from my decision.

Trail 4B – Boondoggle will not be widened.

Snowmaking storage in an up-mountain lagoon at the base of Avalanche Basin has been eliminated from my decision.

The construction of Parking Lot G will be approved prior to the development of the Bullion Basin Base Area and parking structure, to replace that portion of Parking Lot B to be taken up during construction of the new Bullion Basin Base Area and parking structure.

Parking Lot H will be built only if, after construction of the Bullion Basin Parking Structure, there is a demonstrated need.

Parking Lot F will be reduced in size to restore Riparian Reserves along Silver Creek, and additional stream restoration will be provided at Parking Lot F

Parking Lot B restoration will be as described in Alternative 5, FEIS. The construction of additional parking will not be approved until the initiation of parking lot restoration along Parking Lots B and F, as well as the Silver Creek Stabilization.

You indicated that you would prefer to download the FEIS from our website, or visit a Forest office to review a copy. The ROD and FEIS may be found at: (www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/projects/crystal_eis/). In-office review copies of these documents are available at the Supervisor’s Office and the Snoqualmie Ranger District Offices in North Bend and Enumclaw.

The 45-day appeal period for this decision ends Appeals must be postmarked or delivered to the Regional Forester by October 12, 2004. For further information, please contact Larry Donovan, Team Leader, at (425) 744-3403 or e-mail at (ldonovan@fs.fed.us).

Sincerely,

/s/
JOHN PHIPPS
Forest Super

[liftmech]

It's too bad that USFS won't allow expansion but will allow more access into the North Back. As long as there's a traverse out there, I don't see the need for a lift as it will crowd what's supposed to be sort of a backcountry experience. Once the new lift is built (I believe it will be the Morning Glory lift, located in a different spot from the lift on the above map) there will be moguls and less-than-expert skiers out there.
That's just my opinion as a former Crystal powderhound.

[SkiBachelor]

I'm not sure how many of you on here get Skiing, but on page #85 of the October issue, it mentions that Crystal Mountain, WA is installing a high-speed quad this summer along with Buttermilk.

Was Crystal Mountain able to hide this information under our noses or could this be an error because the other Crystal Mountain which is located in the Mid-West is installing a HSQ called the E-Z Express?

[Bill]

I dont think that is the Crystal Mountain here in Washington. Try Michigan or wherever the other one is.