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Coal Basin has an annual precipitation <br /> average of 30" (U. S . Weather Station Redstone 4W at 8,000' ) , <br /> seventy percent of the precipitation is in the form of snow which <br /> measures from 175" to over 200" most winters at 8, 000' . At <br /> 10, 000' the precipitation averages 25% more. <br /> The mine operates 7 days a week all year <br /> round . The mine portals are at 10, 000' and the Preparation Plant <br /> at 8, 000' . The coal is now hauled from 2 separate mine sites <br /> over 5 miles of roads in all types of weather (3 mines are now <br /> temporarily closed) . Many of these roads are across steep side <br /> slopes that are active avalanche zones . <br /> After each 6" or greater snow storm or the <br /> accumulation of two or more storms, the avalanche crew fires <br /> several test rounds into known avalanche paths (chutes) while <br /> other sites are checked visually. If no cracking or sluffing is <br /> apparent, testing is completed . <br /> If signs are evident of poor conditions , <br /> shots are fired at each known avalanche path. The snow that <br /> covers roads or other operational areas resulting from these <br /> shots is cleared by D-8 caterpillar tractors and motor graders . <br /> Public access to these roads is prohibited by <br /> an agreement with the U. S . Forest Service. <br /> (3) Light use roads <br /> Light use road construction by Mid-Continent <br /> in the Coal Basin area has been limited to the minimum required <br /> for maintenance of surface facilities, exploration activities and <br />