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<br />fl~I'\"6 <br />d: ;..ll~~~) <br /> <br />if this lift were in use only when needed for back-up, it would be a valuable <br />facility for accessing public lands. <br /> <br />CONDITIONS <br /> <br />At no time will the total comfortable carrying capacity (CCC) "exceed the <br />authorized SAOT of 13,500. Extension of the High Alpine and Sheer Bliss lift <br />alignments will be dependent upon feasibility verification from ongoing wind <br />monitoring data. Grading at these top terminal locations will be minimized. <br /> <br />11. Snowmaking Expansion <br /> <br />The permittee is authorized to expand snowmaking coverage on NFSL by 220 acres. <br />This will entail construction of associated structures (control building I <br />pumphouse (s) , and valve blockhouse (s)) totaling approximately 5,800 sq. ft.), and <br />two-to-four miles of utility corridors. Water storage capacity for at least <br />three million gallons will be required. One natural impoundment near the Cafe <br />Suzanne area will be enlarged to accommodate a portion of this storage. The <br />final location of coverage area will largely depend upon the gondola alignment (s) <br />implemented. <br /> <br />DISCUSSION <br /> <br />The Snowmass Ski Area represents huge investments of public and private resources <br />in the provision and operation of recreational facilities and the management of <br />natural resources on public lands. The need to maximize the length of the ski <br />season is extremely important in providing visitation opportunities to Forest <br />users, as well as ensuring a degree of economic stability to the commercial core <br />of lodges, retail shops and restaurants which depend on skier visits for their <br />financial well-being. Poor snowfall in the fall has the potential to delay area <br />opening dates on an average of three out of ten years. In the past, this has <br />resulted in reduced skier visits, adverse economic conditions for the community, <br />and a weakened resort image for the current and future winter seasons. Modern <br />destination ski resorts are dependent upon extensive snowrnaking capability for <br />their long-term success. The expanded snowrnaking system approved in this ROD <br />will substantially contribute to maintaining viable ski area operations. <br /> <br />In their various MOP proposals, ABC maintained that- there would be no need to <br />make snow after December 31; therefore potential impacts from snowrnaking after <br />that date were not disclosed in the FEIS. <br /> <br />CONDITIONS <br /> <br />A gauging system at the Snowmass Water and Sanitation District (SWSD) diversion <br />will be maintained to track the amount of water being pumped for snowrnaking. <br />These gauges will be available for inspection by the Colorado Division of <br />Wildlife (CDOW), Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), and USFS. <br /> <br />General snowmaking operations will cease on December 31; any re-coverage or <br />lIpatching" will be limited to that which can be done by water in storage. <br /> <br />The permittee will cease pumping water for snowmaking and/or refilling water <br />storage facilities on NFSL when continued pumping would reduce flows in Snowrnass <br />Creek below seven cfs (minimum winter streamflow/water right held by the CWCB on <br />the middle segment from the confluence of West Snowmass Creek to the confluence <br />of Capitol Creek) . <br /> <br />Monitoring activities recommended in the FEIS for Snowmass Creek would occur <br />entirely on private land and thus be outside the jurisdiction of the Forest <br />Service. However, given the permittee'S stated desire to avoid harm to the <br />aquatic ecosystem of the Creek from water withdrawals for snowrnaking, ASe will <br /> <br />RECORD OF DECISION <br /> <br />Page. 17 <br /> <br />-;, <br />