Montana Snowbowl Ski Area Master Development Plan ...a123.g.akamai.net/7/123/11558/abc123/forestservic... · The improvements described in the Proposed Action in this analysis (Table

Specialist Report – Facilities and Safety

Montana Snowbowl Ski Area Master Development Plan EIS 1

Montana Snowbowl Ski Area Master Development Plan

Environmental Impact Statement


Stephanie Lauer

Revised February 2011

1.0 INTRODUCTION This document describes the existing facilities and safety within the proposed expansion area and identifies potential effects. Two alternatives are considered in this analysis, the Proposed Action (as described below and in the Master Development Plan [MSB 2004]) and No Action. Information contained in this report will be used in the Montana Snowbowl Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). 1.1 Background The Montana Snowbowl Ski and Summer Resort (MSB) is an alpine ski and summer resort located on both private and federal land approximately 12 miles north of Missoula, Montana. The federal land is administered by the Lolo National Forest (LNF). The existing ski area includes 1,138 acres of federal land administered by and under permit with the LNF and 80 acres of private land (owned by MSB) located at the base area (Appendix A, Figures 1-1 and 1-2). The base area is the location of the lodge and other administrative facilities at which skiers and other MSB users congregate and from which MSB is managed. The MSB currently operates a full winter (five to seven days per week) and limited summer schedule (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). Existing facilities on LNF land include ski trails, lifts (both surface and chairlifts), small buildings, buried water and power lines, a snowmaking reservoir, hiking trails, mountain bike trails, and a folf (disc golf) course. Facilities on adjacent private land include ski trails, lifts, a rope tow, buildings, buried water and power lines, a snowmaking reservoir, hiking trails, a mountain bike trail, a potable water system, wastewater disposal systems, and parking areas. The proposed expansion area is on LNF land called TV Mountain. TV Mountain is adjacent to and immediately west of the existing permit area. The west side of TV Mountain is the location of the original Snow Park Ski Area, which was the predecessor to the current MSB. Snow Park operated on LNF land during the 1950s and closed in 1960. The ski area was then moved to the Butler Creek drainage and re-opened in 1961 due to the availability of higher elevation terrain, better snow conditions, and greater vertical drop. In addition to the original Snow Park Ski Area, the proposed expansion area includes areas of past timber harvest, existing roads, and utilities. The summit of TV Mountain is a designated communications site (under permit with the LNF) with numerous television, radio, and microwave facilities and would be surrounded by the proposed expansion area.



The MSB has operated on the LNF under a Special Use Permit (SUP) since 1961. The MSB currently has a 40-year SUP (to expire in 2011). All of the existing SUP area on LNF land was assigned to Management Area (MA) 8 (ski areas) in the 1986 LNF Land and Resource Management Plan (United States Forest Service [USDA] 1986), referred to hereinafter as the Forest Plan. Approximately 706 acres of the proposed expansion area are currently assigned to MA 16 (timber production), and 399 acres are assigned to MA 25 (timber production within the constraint of achieving a visual quality standard of Partial Retention). 1.2 Proposed Action The MSB is proposing to expand its alpine ski and summer resort to LNF land on TV Mountain in the general location of where the original Snow Park Ski Area was permitted and operated. This expansion proposal is summarized in a revised Master Development Plan (MSB 2004) that was received by the LNF on December 6, 2004. The proposed expansion would increase the existing SUP area by 1,105 acres to 2,243 acres (Appendix A, Figure 1-1). New facilities on LNF land would include ski trails, lifts, buried lines (power, water, and wastewater), a snowmaking reservoir, hiking and mountain bike trails, two wastewater drainfields, a maintenance building, and a lodge. A new SUP would be required for the Proposed Action. This SUP would authorize additional development, construction, and operation of resort facilities on Forest Service land (in this case, Forest Service land administered by the LNF). The SUP would be granted under the authority of the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986 (16 United States Code [USC] 497b). This Act authorizes the Forest Service to issue term ski area permits “for the use and occupancy of suitable Nordic and alpine skiing operations and purposes” (Section 3(b)). The Act also states that a permit shall encompass such acreage as the Forest Service “determines sufficient and appropriate to accommodate the permittee’s needs for ski operations and appropriate ancillary facilities” (Section 3(b)). The Proposed Action would require an amendment to the Forest Plan. This amendment would change approximately 706 acres from MA 16 (timber production) and 399 acres from MA 25 (timber production) to MA 8 (ski areas). The total new SUP area would be 2,243 acres with this addition of 1,105 acres of LNF land in the proposed expansion. The current SUP allows MSB to operate on 1,138 acres of LNF land. The improvements described in the Proposed Action in this analysis (Table 1-1) would not all be constructed during a single year, but would be constructed over an approximately 11-year timeframe. 1.2.1 Scope of this Analysis The analysis of effects disclosed in this report includes any effects occurring from the entire project. Scope is defined in 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1508.25 as the range of actions, alternatives, and effects, such as connected and cumulative actions and effects, considered in this report. In addition to the Proposed Action, which is described above, Connected Actions and past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions are analyzed in this report. Connected Actions. Connected Actions for this project include (1) all activities on private land that would be completed in conjunction with the proposed expansion described above, and (2)



some improvements in the existing SUP area that were approved under a 1996 decision by the LNF but have not yet been implemented (Table 1-1) (USDA 1996). Other Connected Actions include new facilities/improvements planned on adjacent private land: Expanded parking (30 more spaces, or 75 more SAOT, created by moving the existing

maintenance building) Continuous shuttle service on busy days Buried utility lines (power, water, and wastewater) Services building that would house bathrooms, ticket sales, and food sales Construction of a flow monitor on Butler Creek, maintenance of 30 gpm in Butler Creek at

the flow monitor during snowmaking, and monitoring and annual reporting to the LNF. For this analysis, the actual end result and effect of the Proposed Action cannot be accurately disclosed without including the additive improvements that would be implemented as Connected Actions (Table 1-1). Therefore, in this report the existing improvements are defined as all improvements that have already been constructed/completed in the existing SUP area. The components specific to the Proposed Action are discussed, but the cumulative totals related to the Proposed Action plus Connected Actions in the proposed new SUP area (and/or private land) are also identified. Past actions. Past actions include those known management actions (regardless of land ownership) that could potentially have similar effects as identified as resulting from the Proposed Action and No Action alternatives. Past actions include the Snow Park Ski Area located on LNF land on the west side of TV Mountain, the construction of the existing MSB resort on LNF land and private land, and an SUP area expansion and improvements approved in 1996 by the LNF (USDA 1996). Other past actions are the 2003 closure of the Marshall Mountain Ski Area, timber harvest, and related road construction. Present actions. Present actions include road maintenance and communications site operation on TV Mountain. Other present actions are vegetative and restoration treatments conducted within and adjacent to the LNF land by the Forest Service and private landowners. Reasonably foreseeable actions. Reasonably foreseeable actions include road maintenance and vegetative or restoration treatments (such as weed control) anticipated to occur inside of and adjacent to the proposed expansion area during the next 11 years. The Grant Creek Fuel Reduction Project was approved by the LNF in a 2007 Decision Notice (USDA 2007a). Although this project has already been approved, there are no implementation plans at this time or in the future (Paulsen 2010 personal communication). That project is therefore not included in the scope of this analysis. Table 1-1 summarizes all existing improvements at MSB completed as of winter 2009–2010, the Connected Actions, and the Proposed Action.



Table 1-1. Existing Conditions and Proposed Action

Proposed/Planned Ski Area Improvements

Existing Conditions

Connected Actions

Proposed Action

Potential Cumulative

Total Overall ski area capacity (SAOT)

1,408 skiers 0 skiers 937 skiers 2,345 skiers

SUP area size 1,138 acres No change 1,105 acres 2,243 acres

Ski trail capacity (SAOT) 1,500 skiers 193 skiers 1,373 skiers 3,066 skiers

Lift capacity (SAOT) 1,408 skiers 0 skiers 937 skiers 2,345 skiers

Base area capacity (SAOT) 1,629 skiers 771 skiers 0 skiers 2,400 skiers

Parking capacity (SAOT) (onsite + offsite lots)

2,775 skiers 75 skiers 0 skiers 2,850 skiers

Shuttle bus riders per day (from bottom of Grant Creek Road)

80 skiers 120 0 skiers 200 skiers

Ski trails: acreage 255 acres 20 acres 166 acres 441 acres

Ski trails: number 52 trails 8 trails 20 trails 80 trails

Ski trail capacity (SAOT): beginner/intermediate

1,050 skiers 190 skiers 1,250 skiers 2,490 skiers

Ski trail acreage: beginner/intermediate

105 acres 19 acres 125 acres 249 acres

Ski trail capacity (SAOT): advanced/expert

450 skiers 3 skiers 123 skiers 576 skiers

Ski trail acreage: advanced/expert

150 acres 1 acre 41 acres 192

Lifts: number 4 0 4 8

Tree removal for new ski trails and lifts only

No change 14 acres 153 acres 167 acres

Tree removal for new bike trails only

No change No change 5 acres 5 acres

Tree removal for new wastewater drainfields only

No change No change 10 acres 10 acres

Total tree removal No change 14 acres 168 acres 182 acres

Classified “old growth” tree removal

No change No addition 39 acres 39 acres

Grading for transition leveling and construction

No change No addition 39 acres 39 acres

Wastewater drainfields Leave under

main parking lot and base area

No change Move to

TV Mountain (10 acres)

Move to TV Mountain

(10 acres)

Snowmaking reservoirs 2 0 1 3

Maximum water withdrawal rate

115 gpm 115 gpm 115 gpm 115 gpm

Maximum seasonal water withdrawal volume for snowmaking only

28 acre-feet No change 15 acre-feet 43 acre-feet



Table 1-1. Existing Conditions and Proposed Action

Proposed/Planned Ski Area Improvements

Existing Conditions

Connected Actions

Proposed Action

Potential Cumulative

Total Maximum total seasonal water withdrawal volume for snowmaking and reservoirs

28 acre-feet No change 20 acre-feet 48 acre-feet

Trenching for power, wastewater, and water lines

No change No change 16,000 feet 16,000 feet

Buildings 7 1 3 11

2.0 METHODS Transportation and parking information was gathered through literature research and consultation with the Missoula City Engineering Department, Missoula City Traffic Services, Missoula County Road Department, and the Missoula County Office of Planning and Grants. Health and safety information was gathered from interviews with the MSB general manager and owner and the LNF. Other information was taken from the MDP (MSB 2004). 3.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT (EXISTING CONDITIONS) 3.1 Standards Applicable to Facilities and Transportation There are no Forest Plan standards related to facilities and safety. This analysis describes the existing conditions at MSB with respect to transportation, buildings, infrastructure, and safety. 3.2 Area of Analysis The analysis area includes the existing SUP area and proposed expansion area on TV Mountain and the parking, roads, and trails in and leading to these areas. 3.3 Existing Environment 3.3.1 Transportation and Traffic Access The MSB is 12 miles from Missoula with access via Grant Creek Road and Snowbowl Road. From the I-90 interchange (exit 101), the route follows Grant Creek Road for 4 paved miles, then follows Snowbowl Road for 6 miles. The first one-half mile of Snowbowl Road is paved, and the last 5.5 miles is surfaced with gravel and native material. Grant Creek Road and the first mile of Snowbowl Road are maintained under the jurisdiction of Missoula County. The last 5 miles to MSB is under the jurisdiction of the LNF and is jointly maintained by MSB and the LNF. Winter maintenance is performed by MSB; summer maintenance is performed by the LNF. The MSB has completed 90 percent of the process of widening Snowbowl Road and has an estimated completion date in 2011. This road project included adding new parking areas along Snowbowl Road within 1 mile of the base area. The new parking areas were completed in 2009.



Point Six Road provides year-round access to the TV Mountain communications site. Summer access is by vehicle, and winter access is by snowmobile or snowcoach. The road is gated on private land in the lower Butler Creek drainage and is authorized for motorized travel behind the gate for communications site users and local landowners. Parking Parking facilities are located on the terminal part of Snowbowl Road and the parking lot at the MSB base area. Historically, parking at MSB has been congested on peak ski days. Onsite parking at MSB includes the main parking lot, two parking lots along Snowbowl Road, and road-side parking for 1 mile down Snowbowl Road, with shuttle support to the base area. The total skier capacity of the onsite parking areas described above is 2,525 skiers at one time (SAOT). Additional unsupervised parking for 250 SAOT (carpooling) is available at an MSB-owned parking lot at the bottom of Grant Creek Road near the I-90 interchange (Table 3-1) providing a total of 2,775 SAOT with onsite or offsite parking. Table 3-1 summarizes the existing parking capacity at MSB onsite and offsite lots. A conservative average vehicle occupancy of 2.5 persons was used in this analysis, compared to the average vehicle occupancy of 2.7 persons for other western ski areas (USDA 2006b).

Table 3-1. Montana Snowbowl Existing Parking Capacity

Parking Location SAOT

Accommodated

Main parking lot 1,400

Parking lots (two) on Snowbowl Road 450

Roadside parking for 1 mile down road (with shuttle service to base area) 675

Total onsite parking 2,525

Offsite parking area at bottom Grant Creek Road (unsupervised) 250

Total existing parking (onsite and offsite) 2,775

Source: MSB (2004) and information provided by the MSB general manager and owner. Shuttle Bus Transportation The MSB operates a shuttle bus service on weekends and holidays from the parking lot at the bottom of Grant Creek Road. One bus can accommodate 40 SAOT. Currently, up to two buses make one trip per day (morning pickup and afternoon return) with three pickup/return locations in Missoula. Actual passenger counts confirm 40 passengers per bus on peak days, for a total of 80 SAOT per day. The average passenger count over the entire ski season is 31 passengers per bus. Individuals taking the shuttle bus may or may not park cars in this location; therefore, these counts are not included in parking estimates in this analysis. Road Traffic The LNF collected traffic data on Snowbowl Road from January 28, 2009, to April 13, 2009, a period that coincides with the majority of the MSB winter ski season. The results showed an average of 578 vehicles per day using Snowbowl Road over this period. The maximum number of vehicles was 1,288 in one day, and the minimum was 11 in one day (USDA 2009). Because Snowbowl Road can be accessed only via Grant Creek Road (except for skiers living north of



Snowbowl Road or on/off Snowbowl Road), this traffic count can reasonably be applied to Grant Creek Road for the same period. Approximately 38 percent of the traffic on a busy winter ski day on Grant Creek Road is due to MSB. Peak winter weekday traffic from MSB visitors occurs at two peak periods: once between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and once between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Weekend traffic peaks in the periods shown above, but is spread across the entire day between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Summer operating hours are much lighter and do not represent MSB use during a significant portion of Grant Creek Road traffic. Missoula County collects point traffic data on Grant Creek Road at a location just north of the city-county line approximately 0.25 mile south of Colorado Gulch Road. According to data collected at this location during the week of May 21, 2009, the weekday average was 1,509 vehicles per day (Dickson 2010 personal communication). This one-day count occurred off-season and did not include any vehicular traffic associated with MSB. No Missoula County average daily traffic data were available for Grant Creek Road in the winter months. 3.3.2 Infrastructure and Improvements Buildings Three main buildings are used for skier services at the base area of MSB (Appendix A, Figure 1-2). Table 3-2 summarizes the buildings and their facilities.

Table 3-2. Existing Montana Snowbowl Base Area Skier Service Buildings

Skier Service Building

Construction Date Facilities

Size (sq. ft.)

Snowbowl Lodge 1961 Cafeteria/grill, ski school, ticket office, lockers/changing area, men’s toilets (7), women’s toilets (6), ski patrol storage

5,800

Gelandesprung Lodge

1996–1997 Hotel/hostel, ski rental shop, restrooms for hotel guests

2,000

Last Run Inn 1999 Bar and restaurant, men’s toilets (4), women’s toilets (4)

3,370

As part of the design and subsequent permitting of these projects by the Montana Building Standards Program, these buildings are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. Additional office space and employee housing are in the employee housing building (Nila Lodge) located on the southeast corner of the base area (Appendix A, Figure 1-2). One building is near the top of the Grizzly chairlift in the existing SUP area; the A-frame Grizzly Chalet was built in 1962 with electricity but no running water. A modern outhouse is nearby. A ski patrol building is located at the top of the La Valle chairlift on Big Sky Mountain. Electronic equipment is housed in the basement of this building, which was reconstructed in 2004. The MSB does not own or operate any buildings in the proposed expansion area. Several small buildings used to house equipment owned by communications site permittees are present at the TV Mountain communications site. No residential development is in the proposed expansion area.



Communications Site A communications site consisting of towers and associated infrastructure (such as guy-wires and electrical sheds) is located on the top of TV Mountain. Access to the communications site is by Point Six Road. The site is not fenced, and access is uncontrolled. Water Supply and Snowmaking “Water for domestic use is supplied from a spring/surface water source. It is approved by the State of Montana “Public Water System #844” and has adequate capacity for existing and projected needs” (MSB 2004) The MSB has snowmaking capabilities on all existing beginner and intermediate terrain below 6,500 feet except for Huckleberry #66; this includes Lower Paradise #36, Longhorn #39, Bowl Out Run #46, Rope Tow #29, Sunrise Bowl #23 and #24, Spartan #16 and #17, and the base area. Water is supplied from two sources at the base: a surface source (Draft Certificate of Water Right 76M-89451) and a well (Certificate of Water Right 84571-G76M). These water rights currently allow for a total of 115 gpm from both these sources up to 28 acre-feet in total current usage per ski season (October 1 to April 1), of which 43 acre-feet is used for snowmaking. Up to 5 acre-feet per season is used to maintain full pool in two reservoirs. One reservoir has a capacity of approximately 2 million gallons and is located at the Spartan Saddle (elevation 6,500 feet). The second reservoir is located at the base area and has a capacity of approximately 400,000 gallons. Pumps fill these reservoirs. The snowmaking system itself is operated by gravity flow from the Spartan Saddle reservoir. The reservoirs are filled at approximately 100 gpm, but water can be released at more than 1,000 gpm when snowmaking conditions are suitable. Energy-efficient, fan-type snow guns are in use. The guns do not use piped compressed air but use only water and electricity. During the 2000–2001 season, a new type of gun (water sticks) was added; this gun takes advantage of the high-pressure water available to make snow without fans or electricity. Domestic Wastewater Disposal Wastewater from the existing MSB is treated in two septic systems consisting of septic tanks and drain fields. Both systems are located in the base area on private land. One drainfield is located just west of the Gelandesprung Lodge, and the other is under the main parking lot. The MCCHD evaluated and re-approved these systems in 1996. Fuel Storage The MSB stores diesel fuel for grooming equipment and generators in two double-walled aboveground storage tanks located in the existing SUP area. One 1,500-gallon tank is located adjacent to the Grizzly Chalet at the top of Grizzly chairlift. One 3,000-gallon tank is located south of the main parking lot. Both tanks are double-wall construction. Both tanks are located on LNF land.



Electrical Power Northwestern Energy supplies electrical power for the base area, TV Mountain, and Big Sky Mountain. Available power is more than adequate for existing and proposed expansion needs. 3.3.3 Health and Safety Avalanche Risk Avalanche risk is highest at and below the cliff area in the east portion of the existing ski area. The upper cliff area is managed as a permanent closure that excludes all skiers (Appendix A, Figure 2-1). The area below the cliffs is managed for skiing with an avalanche-control program using explosives and ski cutting by patrol members. Avalanche risk is also present in the East Bowl, West Bowl, and West Ridge areas. These sites are also managed using explosives when necessary. The majority of MSB has no significant avalanche risk due to abundant anchors and regular skiing use. No avalanche deaths have occurred in the existing ski area. One patrolman was injured by an avalanche while conducting control activities approximately 20 years ago in the cliffs area (Thompson 2010 personal communication). No avalanche-prone areas are in the proposed expansion area. Backcountry Access MSB skiers have historically used the lift system to gain access to terrain beyond the ski area boundaries. Backcountry users may increase their risk of becoming lost or injured from avalanches, falls, cliffs, and other hazards. The Recreation Specialist Report (PBS&J 2011i) discusses backcountry access. Snowmobile Conflicts In the existing SUP area, snowmobiles are used to transport equipment, employees, and injured skiers. Snowmobiles and snowcoaches are used to access communications sites on Big Sky Mountain and TV Mountain via existing roads. Communications site users are not required to notify MSB if they will be entering the existing SUP area to access communications sites. Snowmobile or snowcoach users, such as the National Weather Service, are required to notify MSB if they will be crossing ski trails to access their sites during the winter season. These users attempt to access the site outside of MSB operating hours. The MSB Ski Patrol is notified when users will be accessing the site during operating hours. To date, no skiers have been injured as the result of a skier-snowmobile conflict in the existing SUP area (Thompson 2010 personal communication). Communications Site Hazards Communications site towers are located in the existing SUP area at the top of the La Valle chairlift on top on Big Sky Mountain. Ice sometimes collects on these towers and poses a hazard when falling. No injuries related to falling ice have occurred at this site (Thompson 2010 personal communication). Radiation emissions from electronic towers, such as those on Big Sky Mountain, are a potential concern for human health. Federal Communications Commission rules require emitters, such as those on Big Sky Mountain, to monitor their electronic emissions and ensure they do not exceed health standards (FCC 2000).



4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES (DIRECT, INDIRECT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECTS)

4.1 Alternative A – The No Action Alternative The MSB is currently operating at its maximum capacity for SAOT on the busiest winter days. Under the No Action alternative, MSB would continue to operate at this maximum capacity. Crowded conditions would continue and would increase as the local population continues to grow. All facilities including lifts, trails, buildings, and other infrastructure would experience increased crowding, especially on the busiest days. Vehicular traffic and parking needs related to MSB would likely experience an incremental increase with local population growth. 4.2 Alternative B – The Proposed Action 4.2.1 Transportation and Traffic Access The access to MSB via the Grant Creek Road and Snowbowl Road would not change as a result of the Proposed Action. Public access to MSB would continue to occur on Snowbowl Road, which is currently being widened. This widening project is scheduled for completion in 2011. Access to communication sites on TV Mountain, Big Sky Mountain, and Point Six would continue via the Point Six Road. This road is open to motorized access by authorized users only. Recreation use of roads in the proposed expansion area for hiking and mountain biking would continue as described in the Recreation Specialist Report (PBS&J 2011i). Parking

There would be no new parking added under the Proposed Action; however, onsite parking for 75 more SAOT would be added by replacing the current maintenance building with parking as a Connected Action on private land. A new maintenance building would be constructed on LNF land south of the main parking lot under the Proposed Action; therefore, with this Connected Action there would be onsite and offsite parking for 2,850 SAOT. Shuttle Bus and Ride-share Transportation

As a Connected Action, MSB plans to add continuous shuttle service on peak days from the parking lot at the bottom of Grant Creek Road. The MSB estimates that 120 additional SAOT could be accommodated per day with this service (MSB 2004), bringing the total SAOT accommodated by shuttle bus to 200 SAOT. The MSB would also provide incentives to encourage ride-sharing, both from the surrounding area and from people parking at the offsite Sevenar parking lot near the intersection of Grant Creek Road and I-90. The proposed increase in parking would be in balance with other skier capacities including base facilities, ski lifts, and ski trails (see Recreation Specialist Report, PBS&J 2011i). Road Traffic The Proposed Action and Connected Actions would increase the overall SAOT capacity by 67 percent, reflecting an increase of approximately 937 skiers on peak winter days on Grant Creek



Road and Snowbowl Road. Based on an average vehicle occupancy of 2.5, the result would be approximately 375 additional vehicle trips, twice per day. The increase in vehicle traffic would be substantially lower on non-peak days, especially weekdays. Because most skiers work on weekdays, the traffic volume would likely not rise as significantly on weekdays. Weekday traffic would peak at different times than typical Grant Creek resident commuter traffic. Weekend traffic would be spread over a longer period for both skiers and commuters, rather than concentrating as discussed above. In 2009, an average of 578 vehicles used Snowbowl Road daily during the ski season. Based on an off-season, non-MSB traffic count on Grant Creek Road, these figures suggest that approximately 63 percent of the traffic on a busy day on Grant Creek Road could be due to MSB skiers as a result of the Proposed Action. This figure represents a busy day, and the percentage of skier vehicles should be considerably less on non-busy weekdays. The Proposed Action could increase the skier-related traffic on Grant Creek Road from the current estimate of 38 percent to 63 percent of all Grant Creek Road traffic. Logging traffic related to tree removal for ski lifts, ski trails, and other facilities would occur mainly during the first 3 to 5 years of the estimated 11-year project. Construction traffic would also be concentrated during this period. The remaining logging and construction traffic would occur 5 to 11 years after project initiation. Because only 182 acres of tree removal would occur, logging traffic would likely be concentrated during a portion of one summer. 4.2.2 Infrastructure and Improvements Buildings The Proposed Action includes the construction of three new buildings on LNF land. The first new building would be a 2,200-square-foot day lodge constructed near the top of TV Mountain and the top of Lift C. This building would provide limited food service, restrooms, and ski school activities. A second 300-square-foot building would be constructed as a skier shelter near the bottom of Lift B to provide emergency shelter (warming hut), a ski school meeting location, and general utility space. The third 1,000-square-foot building is a maintenance shop that would replace the shop currently on private land just south of the main lodge. The replacement maintenance building would be reconstructed approximately 1,500 feet south of the main parking lot, on LNF land. Fuel is currently stored at this new maintenance building location and would continue to be stored here. The new maintenance building location would increase the maintenance building distance to Butler Creek from approximately 50 feet to 500 feet, but vehicle parking would replace the maintenance building in this location, as described below. As a Connected Action, a building would be constructed at the bottom of Lift C on private land at the base area. This 500-square-foot building would serve as a warming hut, ski school meeting location, and general utility space. Communications Site The Proposed Action would include the construction of two lift terminals (Lift B and Lift D) within approximately 350 feet of and below the TV Mountain communications site. The nearest proposed building is the day lodge, which would be located approximately 1,000 feet to the south-southwest of and below the communications site.



There would be an increase in the number of MSB customers within 1,000 feet of the communications site, which may increase the chance of vandalism to the towers and infrastructure. The lift terminals and day lodge locations would not bring customers into proximity of the communications site. MSB customers who trespass on the communications site could be injured by ice falling from the towers and lines. MSB employees would be present as a result of the lift terminals and day lodge. Access could be monitored to compare it to the current condition, where there are no lifts, lodges, or runs near the communications site, and there is uncontrolled access and no monitoring. Water Supply and Snowmaking Water for domestic use is supplied from a spring surface water source. It is approved by the State of Montana “Public Water System #844” and has adequate capacity for existing and projected needs. Snowmaking lines and water lines to new buildings would be installed by approximately 16,000 feet of trenching within roads, ski trails, and lift lines together with other utilities. Fire suppression water is also available from two existing snowmaking reservoirs, and the proposed expansion would include a third reservoir. Water rights for the expanded snowmaking have already been approved by the DNRC Water Rights Division. Domestic Wastewater Disposal The two existing wastewater drainfields located at the base area would be replaced with two new drainfields on TV Mountain. One drainfield would serve the TV Mountain Day Lodge and be located near this lodge. The other drainfield would serve all other MSB facilities and be located in the southwest corner of the proposed expansion area. Wastewater from individual septic tanks in the base area would be pumped to this location in pipe buried within roadways, ski trails, and the main parking lot. These underground lines would be installed in approximately 16,000 feet of trenching within roads, ski trails, and lift lines together with other utilities. This change would increase the distance between drainfields and Butler Creek from 200 feet to more than 3,000 feet. Fuel Storage Fuel storage capacity and location would not change as a result of the Proposed Action. Fuel storage would remain in the aboveground storage tank located adjacent to the Grizzly Chalet. The aboveground storage tank currently located at the proposed site for the maintenance building would continue to be located there if the maintenance building is moved, as included in the Proposed Action. Vehicles carrying fuel would be parked and maintained at this new site farther from Butler Creek. Electrical Power Existing electrical power to the base area and the TV Mountain communications site would be sufficient to supply power for the Proposed Action. Power for additional lifts would be available nearby at existing facilities. Underground power supply lines totaling less than 10,000 feet would be installed where needed. These underground lines would be installed in approximately 10,000 feet of trenching within roads, ski trails, and lift lines together with other utilities (Appendix A, Figure 2-3).



4.2.3 Health and Safety The MSB ski patrol and Life Flight would continue to offer emergency and injury response in the proposed expansion area. As part of the Proposed Action, a helicopter pad for Life Flight would be constructed on top of the proposed drainfield in the southwest corner of the expansion area on TV Mountain. The Proposed Action would create additional opportunities for people to ski in “cliff” areas located on the east side of TV Mountain; this would create a greater safety risk than skiing on maintained trails. Because this area would be within the boundaries of the proposed expansion SUP area, the MSB ski patrol would provide assistance in the event of skier injury or mishap. Avalanche Risk No avalanche-prone areas (such as very steep open slopes, cliffs, or historic avalanche paths) are in the proposed expansion area. Slopes greater than 30 degrees (the angle of increased avalanche risk) are present on proposed ski trails on the east side of TV Mountain; however, grooming and skier traffic would compact the snow and reduce avalanche risk on these trails. Backcountry Access The Proposed Action would create no additional backcountry access. Ski trails on the west side of TV Mountain end in the La Valle Creek bottom, which is unsuited to backcountry use. Ski trails on the south side of TV Mountain would end at the connector ski trail to the base area, and skiing conditions are poor below this trail. Ski trails on the east side of TV Mountain lead back to the base area. The top of TV Mountain is isolated and provides no access to any new backcountry areas. Backcountry access from the existing ski area may increase incrementally as overall skier numbers increase and as equipment improves. The MSB and LNF would continue to manage backcountry use by posting boundary signs along the SUP boundary. The MSB ski patrol would continue to provide rescue support to backcountry areas when possible, but the primary responder would continue to be Missoula County Search and Rescue. The Proposed Action would include no construction or maintenance of new exit gates in the proposed expansion area. Snowmobile Conflicts Potential conflicts would exist in the proposed expansion area between ski area visitors and snowmobiles used by communications site personnel, ski patrol, and other MSB employees. This potential currently exists for communications site personnel visiting Big Sky Mountain and Point Six communications sites in the existing SUP area. Snowmobile or snowcoach users, such as the National Weather Service, are required to notify MSB if they will be crossing ski trails to access their sites during the winter season. These users attempt to access the site outside of MSB operating hours. The MSB Ski Patrol is notified when users will be accessing the site during operating hours. Cooperation between MSB and communications site personnel has minimized conflicts in the existing SUP area and could do the same for TV Mountain under the Proposed Action.



Communications Site Hazards All features of the Proposed Action are located outside (350 feet to 1,000 feet minimum) and downhill of the communications site on TV Mountain. MSB customers who trespass on the communications site could be injured by ice falling from the towers and lines, but this is similar to the current conditions. Communications site hazards related to existing facilities on Big Sky Mountain would continue to be managed by the individual communications site permittees and MSB. 4.2.4 Cumulative Effects One additional building is planned on private land at the MSB base area; this building would be used for skier services. Residential and commercial development on Grant Creek Road is a past, present, and reasonably foreseeable action that may have a significant impact on traffic on Grant Creek Road when combined with the Proposed Action. The offsite parking lot owned by MSB has been divided into two commercial parcels, and an expanded fuel service and convenience store facility has been constructed. This analysis included parking capacity for only one of the two parcels; therefore, the subdivision would not affect MSB parking capacity. The offsite lot is located at the base of Grant Creek Road; therefore, commercial activities would not affect traffic between the offsite lot and MSB. Future residential housing development is a reasonably foreseeable action along Grant Creek Road and lower Snowbowl Road. Any expansion of the existing residential population would have a cumulative impact on traffic on Grant Creek Road when combined with the Proposed Action. This increase in residential development may contribute to the need for additional transportation infrastructure such as park-and-ride lots and mass transit. It is beyond the scope of this analysis to predict potential residential housing expansion and related needs.

5.0 ALTERNATIVES No alternatives were identified based on facilities and safety.

6.0 MITIGATION MEASURES AND MONITORING Mitigation Snowmobile or snowcoach users would notify MSB if they will be crossing ski trails to access their sites during the winter season. These users generally attempt to access the site outside of MSB operating hours. The MSB Ski Patrol would be notified when users will be accessing the site during operating hours.



Monitoring Forest Service personnel would monitor final design, final planning, and implementation of all aspects of the proposed project. Qualified engineers would design structures and facilities, to be approved by the Forest Service prior to construction. Certified engineers would certify construction as completed as designed.

7.0 COMMENT REVIEW Comments pertaining to parking, traffic and public access were received related to transportation and parking. Comments pertaining to fire safety and suppression access, ice-fall and radio frequency radiation related to the tower sites, and vandalism were received related to health and safety. These comments have been addressed in this Specialist Report.

8.0 FOREST PLAN CONSISTENCY AND MANAGEMENT AREA CHANGE

There are no Forest Plan standards related to facilities and safety. There are no specific standards or goals related to facilities and safety in MA 8, MA 16, or MA 25 (USDA 1986); therefore, the MA designation change that would be required as part of the Proposed Action would have no direct or indirect effects to facilities and safety.

9.0 SOURCES OF INFORMATION Dickson, Erik. 2010. Personal communication between Erik Dickson of the Missoula County

Road Department and Stephanie Lauer of PBS&J. July 27, 2010.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC). 2000. A Local Government Official’s Guide to Transmitting Antenna RF Emission Safety: Rules, Procedures and Practical Guidance. 15 pp. Available at: http://wireless.fcc.gov/siting/FCC_LSGAC_RF_Guide.pdf.

Montana Snowbowl (MSB). 2004. Montana Snowbowl Master Development Plan. Prepared for Montana Snowbowl by Alpentech and Robert Brandenberger. December 2004.

Paulsen, Tami. 2010. Lolo National Forest. Personal communication with Stephanie Lauer of PBS&J.

PBS&J. 2011i. Montana Snowbowl Ski Area Master Development Plan, Environmental Impact Statement, Specialist Report - Recreation. Barry L. Dutton, PBS&J. Revised February 2011.

Thompson, Gene. 2010. Lolo National Forest. Personal communication with S. Lauer (PBS&J).

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (USDA). 1986. Lolo National Forest (LNF). Forest Plan. Online at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/wmpz/documents/existing-forest-plans.shtml.

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (USDA). 1996. Lolo National Forest (LNF). Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact for Snowbowl Master



Development Plan Environmental Assessment. Prepared by Missoula Ranger District, April 1996.

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (USDA). 2007c. Record of Decision: Integrated Weed Management on the Lolo National Forest. December 2007.

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (USDA). 2006b. Gallatin National Forest. Bridger Bowl Special Use Permit and Master Plan Final Environmental Impact Statement.

United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (USDA). 2009. Lolo National Forest (LNF). Snowbowl Road (FR #698) traffic count data for January 28, 2009 to April 13, 2009 collected by Hardee Hackman of LNF.


Montana Snowbowl Ski Area Master Development Plan EIS

Appendix A

Figures


Montana Snowbowl Ski Area Master Development Plan EIS A-1

Figure 1-1. Montana Snowbowl Vicinity Map



Figure 1-2. Base Area Map Montana Snowbowl



Figure 2-1. Base Area Map Montana Snowbowl

Figure 2-1. Existing and Proposed Expansion Areas Montana Snowbowl



Figure 2-3. Proposed Expansion Montana Snowbowl Utilities

Documents

Montana Snowbowl Ski Area Master Development Plan ...a123.g.akamai.net/7/123/11558/abc123/forestservic... · The improvements described in the Proposed Action in this analysis (Table