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Furthermore, the U. S . Forest Service , in their recent <br /> "Roadless Area" studies (RARE I and II) , reviewed and elim- <br /> inated the Coal Basin area and country to the north and <br /> south in favor of the recommended and approved expansion of <br /> the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness . <br /> Coal Basin offers an opportunity to provide both <br /> beginner-intermediate slopes and a lot of challenging steep <br /> terrain (subject to avalanche control and hazard reduction) <br /> for this new generation of skiers . <br /> In connection with this , a "plus" at Coal Basin is the <br /> fact that the area is already on a firm basis for future <br /> avalanche hazard forecasts and control procedures due to the <br /> experience gained since the late 1950 ' s in eliminating the <br /> hazards at the mine portals and along the haul roads . This <br /> experience also includes snowfall records and avalanche <br /> occurrence data plus an investment in gas-powered "avalaunch- <br /> ers" , explosives and related equipment and training that can <br /> be utilized immediately by a professional ski patrol . <br /> From: COAL BASIN SKI AREA <br /> CONCEPT STUDY <br /> By Paul Hauk <br /> Mid-Continent ' s recreational use will capitalize <br /> on the natural beauty and historic interest of the Coal <br /> Basin, and will utilize wherever possible the areas already <br /> disturbed by mining activities . The recreational use is <br /> compatible with pre-mining and existing land uses -- namely, <br /> rangeland and wildlife habitat -- and will continue through <br /> both winter and summer . <br /> Mid-Continent ' s experience in Coal Basin leads us <br /> to conclude that snow for winter sports will be plentiful <br /> and reliable. Snowfall begins in late October and continues <br /> through May . <br /> Mid-Continent has recorded snowfall at Coal Basin <br /> since 1970 , from November through May : ( Table VI-D-1) . <br /> -13- <br />