1987-12-01_PERMIT FILE - C1981017 (300)

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the #4 mine would provide some skiable terrain plus access to the main or Key area via the northeast-facing corridor from the mine down to Bear Creek. Another access option as mentioned in my 1969 inventory abstract, although quite expensive and probably controversial, is a mile-long jig- back high-capacity tramway based on the flat behind the coke ovens along Highway 133 immediately west of the Redstone Lodge. The tram, starting at 7,200' elevation could be one-spanned in a southwesterly direction up to the 9,663' point mentioned earlier where a spectacular 360 degree view is available. The facility could be utilized for summer tourists as well as for skier access via the northwest slopes that drop toward Spring Creek. These slopes could be lift-served and tied to another lift up to the 10,360' point along the Hayes Creek-Coal Creek divide. The three expansion segments mentioned earlier and although not affected by the "Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1977", all have possibilities and logically tie in with the postmining ski area concept in Coal Basin. Basic information about these areas (delineated on the 1:2000' scale map in the Appendix) is as follows: Hayes Creek Basin: The generally east-facing and partially tim- bered slopes that drop 1,400' from 11,035' down to 9,600' in the upper or west end of the drainage, on an average slope grade and distance of 20 percent and 7,150' , respectively. The useable area is estimated to cover 600 acres. Lee Creek Basin: The generally open and south-facing bowl that drops 1,900' from 11,000' to the 9,200' level on a 35 percent average slope distance for approximately 5,830' . The 850-acre basin would be very similar to the famous "back bowls" at Vail in size, steepness, configuration (various exposures) and wind problems. The Vail bowls cover approximately 1,000 acres served by a 5,800' long lift (now triple) with about 1,900' drop on a 35 percent average slope. -11-