OCR Text |
Show ALTA AVALANCHE CONTROL AND SAFETY PLAN I. Introduction The goal of this plan is to provide for maximum use of all recreational facilities in the area and for adequate safety to the public. Alta is so situated that it encounters very severe mountain weather; and, therefore, some degree of hazard may be present at any time. Alta's access road is crossed by at least six to eight major avalanche paths that are classified as frequent runners. There are as many other major avalanche paths that are less frequent runners, but they can and do cross the highway between the upper and lower gates of the road. All improvements at Alta are strategically located between major avalanche paths to avoid damage from avalanches. This requires, at times of high avalanche danger, that travel between lodges be restricted until control measures have been taken. The lift- served area at Alta is broken down into nine major control areas that require avalanche control work to varying degrees. The control work at Alta is accomplished in one of the following ways: A. Highway slide paths are controlled by temporary road closure and/ or artillery fire from 75mm recoilless rifles or pack howitzers. B. The slide paths on the north side of Alta proper, that is, East Hellgate through Grizzly Gulch, are dealt with in these ways: interlodge travel is closed to protect the people; the north side is left to settle and thereby stabilize itself; and artillery is employed to test the stability of these avalanche paths. C. The lift- served area, avalanche control work consists of artillery fire, hand- placed explosives, test and protective skiing, and temporary closures to allow time for stabilization. D. Touring areas are generally left to stabilize with recommendations given to the public daily on the advisability of touring. |