No fast runout here.

I discovered an interesting development at Monarch ski area today while doing a little after ski season skiing. It looks like the snowcat drivers had a major end-of-season party and then went out grooming at the end of it!  Most of the major ski runs are largely un-skiable due to new and major trenches, berms and ridges apparently caused by snowcats run amok.

Wahooooo!

Like the aftermath of some monster-truck slalom race, Monarch’s major runs now all sport deep snowcat tracks down the slopes. Pick a run : Sleepy Hollow, Great Divide, Ticaboo, Tango, Aftershock … all have these demolition derby-like snowcat tracks. It is clear that the “cats” were also plowing as well just weaving around, because many of the tracks are inset ruts.  Frozen in place like they are now, these ruts and lumpy berms not only take the s-m-o-o-t-h out of corn snow turns, they also create quite a leg-breaking hazard.

Jump or break a leg, your choice.

Inquiring minds want to know. Why would they do this?

Could it be some special snow-cat drivers training? Not likely, as any training would surely result in smooooooth packed snow, not a lumpy mess.

Perhaps something to slow spring melt water? Probably not, as most of the tracks are down the fall line.

How about snowcat races? Doubt it … Unless the guys (or gals) were racing for a personal best, you would expect more than one set of tracks on each run.

Maybe it is a new marketing campaign like Mad River Glen? “Off-season Monarch! Ski it if you can!”

What do you think? Give your well-reasoned and wacky theories in the comments.

Ride the wave.

The cause of the crash is unknown, and will be investigated by a team of army specialists from Ft. Rucker, Alabama.

The crash site is near the Monarch Ski and Snowboard Area in a dense stand of evergreens. As the helicopter descended, the rotors gave a haircut to a wide swath of trees and resulted in the rotor blades being completely destroyed.

The $6-10 million dollar Blackhawk suffered a major break in the fuselage in addition to the rotor damage and appears to be a total loss except for the cockpit and cargo compartment. Removal of the helicopter carcass will almost certainly require another, larger helicopter to lift it out and away.

The Blackhawk is primarily a transport helicopter, but can be fitted with a variety of armaments, depending on the mission. No armaments, missiles or guns were evident at the crash site.

Black Hawk helicopter crash on Monarch Pass, Colorado.

While the helicopter clearly had a rough landing, the cockpit and cargo area appear undamaged.

Who knew that military helicopters had windshield wipers?

As the helicopter descended, it sheared the tops off of several trees, completely shreading the four rotor blades.

Documents, contact information and downloadable files found on the official City of Salida site.

City of Salida Colorado Contacts – Wide ranging list of contact information for local and regional government organizations

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City of Salida, Colorado Current  Job Opportunities – Application for Employment and actual job opening listings

Salida Colorado City Forms, Permits and Applications

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The Chaffee County Heritage Area Management Plan – Draft – October 2008 is released.

This is a detailed review of the Chaffee County Heritage Area, how it has been developed and how it will be managed. The 191 page report describes the Heritage Area and includes much interesting background about county history and the people that made Chaffee County what it is today.

From the report – Purpose of the Chaffee County Heritage Area and Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway

The Chaffee County community has long recognized the value of this distinct natural environment and the unique cultural, historical and recreational resources that it has spawned. To protect and preserve these resources, to promote economic development, and to provide educational opportunities, the community established the Chaffee County Heritage Area in 2004. The establishment of the Heritage Area grew out of a growing consensus among county residents, governmental agencies, and local businesses that those heritage resources that define the county’s sense of community should be protected by creative and sensible solutions to retain and attract residents, appropriate businesses, and tourism.

This designation of Chaffee County as a Heritage Area is by resolution (Resolution No. 2004-45), officially established by the Chaffee County Commissioners with a defined boundary that coincides with the official county boundary (Figure 1, page 4). To guide development and management of the Heritage Area, the County Commissioners established the Chaffee County Heritage Area Advisory Board (CCHAAB) at the same time.

The CCHAAB consists of seven to nine members appointed by the Commissioners “to provide assistance on matters associated with planning and implementation of the Heritage Area program.” Members must be full-time residents and are selected by geographical diversity. At the direction of the County Commissioners, the program is administered and coordinated by the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA), a local non-profi t 501-c (3) cooperating association.

Soon after its creation the Board recognized the value of having the county’s major highways designated as a Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway, and using that designation to energize and catalyze protection and preservation of the heritage resources of the Heritage Area, i.e., the whole county. Establishing a byway was given the highest priority, and in 2005, through the Board’s efforts and with community support, the Collegiate Peaks Historic and Scenic Byway was formally established.

The Chaffee County Heritage Area Management Plan will:

• Guide decision-making by the Chaffee County Heritage Area Advisory Board (CCHAAB) in the management and promotion of the Chaffee County Heritage Area and the Collegiate Peaks Byway;
• Provide a vision and goals for the Heritage Area and Byway’s future, an inventory of its intrinsic qualities, and identification of ‘key findings’ related to the unique character of Chaffee County;
• Recommend a set of strategies and actions, and present a phased implementation plan.

Download and read the complete report from the GARNA website.