Water fed by recent rain and heavy runoff is cascading over Highway 9 on in Blue River, but Colorado Department of Transportation officials say they won't be able to address the problem until water levels recede.
The flooding over the highway is approximately an inch deep during the day and rises to up to 4 inches at night, according to CDOT officials who say the problem is likely caused by blocked culverts that normally allow the water to pass beneath the road.
“There's nothing we can do right now,” CDOT spokesman Bob Wilson said Wednesday. “It's low enough that we can keep the road open, but until the water level goes down we can't get in on those pipes.”
But, for Blue River residents and officials, a wait-and-see approach isn't comforting.
“It sort of cuts our town in two, because it's the only route to the southernmost part of Blue River,” town roads manager Nick Doperalski said.
Officials are concerned the situation might turn into another Coyne Valley Road, wiping out the roadway completely and forcing residents south of the break to find what will inevitably be a much longer route around the problem.
Mayor Lindsay Backas said at a town board meeting this week that CDOT would recommend people travel all the way down to Buena Vista to circumnavigate a closure on Hwy 9, but acknowledged that most people would actually use the Boreas Pass route, which is considerably shorter.
“Everybody's initial fear was that it was going to wash away like Coyne Valley, but CDOT said they were going to be watching it,” Backas said. “If the road holds they (said they) probably wouldn't do anything this year, because it's really not in their budget. It's a little scary, I think, for people that go through there, but it seems to be safe.”
Repairs of any kind will likely cause the road to be closed for some period of time, forcing drivers to take much longer routes around the problem, according to Backas. She said fixing the culverts, which appear to be blocked, would take several hours, while repairing the road should it wash away could take more than a week.
In the long term, Blue River is considering constructing alternative routes to the south end of town around the highway, but those plans are at least a few years out, officials said.
“In our long-term planning, we're looking at a second or even third alternative route where we can connect our roads around the highway,” Doperalski said. “But that's a long time out, and we're looking at budget constraints as well.”
For now, drivers in the area are encouraged to use extreme caution and to cross the submerged stretch of highway very slowly.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
Old Breckenridge Building Center Coming Down
Demolition work on the old Breckenridge Building Center office on the corner of Main and French streets in Breckenridge has begun, with a new residential housing development eventually planned for the site.
The new complex, expected to be built in the next several years, will include 21 market-rate duplex and single-family units and possibly two workforce units and a single-family residence. Remaining land parcels at the site will be left as public and private open space.
The Town of Breckenridge has been eager to see the old building, described in recent planning commission documents as “heavily disturbed and re-graded with few improvements or vegetation,” removed this year, as it is out of place with Breckenridge's historic and carefully maintained Main Street. The former BBC building and an abandoned lumberyard currently occupy the site.
The new complex, expected to be built in the next several years, will include 21 market-rate duplex and single-family units and possibly two workforce units and a single-family residence. Remaining land parcels at the site will be left as public and private open space.
The Town of Breckenridge has been eager to see the old building, described in recent planning commission documents as “heavily disturbed and re-graded with few improvements or vegetation,” removed this year, as it is out of place with Breckenridge's historic and carefully maintained Main Street. The former BBC building and an abandoned lumberyard currently occupy the site.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Maybe, just maybe Interstate 70 will get some Improvements
An environmental assessment of a potentially $105 million project to widen one or both bores of the Twin Tunnels just east of Idaho Springs is now in the early stages, following the work of a “visioning task force” earlier this year.
Colorado Department of Transportation officials said if all goes smoothly crews could start work on the project as early as spring or summer 2013.
“Taxpayers want to see something done,” CDOT mountain corridor manager Jim Bemelen said. “We've been studying a long time.”
A team of experts convened in February to determine possible solutions for the Twin Tunnels recommended an estimated $55 million plan to widen the eastbound bore from two to three lanes.
But with extra money potentially available, some CDOT officials are hoping to double the project's cost and scope to widen both tunnels to three lanes.
“If we're out there anyway, we've got the tunneling expert out there, we've got a detour set up … (we) might want to consider adding the westbound bore,” Bemelen said of the suggestion made to the transportation commission that will ultimately decide on the scope of the project.
Colorado Department of Transportation officials said if all goes smoothly crews could start work on the project as early as spring or summer 2013.
“Taxpayers want to see something done,” CDOT mountain corridor manager Jim Bemelen said. “We've been studying a long time.”
A team of experts convened in February to determine possible solutions for the Twin Tunnels recommended an estimated $55 million plan to widen the eastbound bore from two to three lanes.
But with extra money potentially available, some CDOT officials are hoping to double the project's cost and scope to widen both tunnels to three lanes.
“If we're out there anyway, we've got the tunneling expert out there, we've got a detour set up … (we) might want to consider adding the westbound bore,” Bemelen said of the suggestion made to the transportation commission that will ultimately decide on the scope of the project.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Swan Mountain Road Bike Path Complete
SAPPHIRE POINT — Under blue skies and sunshine Friday morning, some 40 people from various public agencies, private groups and bike clubs stood atop Swan Mountain, snacking on cookies and lemonade and gazing at a red ribbon and, beyond it, a very long-awaited bike path.
County commissioners and others close to the $4.6 million dollar process of constructing a bike path between Summit Cove and Farmer's Korner cut the ribbon in a short ceremony Friday morning and officially opened the last section of the path cyclists have waited nearly 10 years to see completed.
Officials called the project, which was finished $8 million short of initial projections and was funded with help from a number of private and public entities, a testament to Summit County's ability to collaborate.
“(This is) one more example of how well we all work together and how we all get along,” County Commissioner Thomas Davidson said at the ceremony. “It's not like this everywhere. It's a special place.”
Crews began working on the last leg of a bike path, which now completely circles Dillon Reservoir, in May. The path runs separate from the street for a short stretch near Sapphire Point and rejoins Swan Mountain Road as a roadside bike lane down to Farmer's Korner. Planning for a bike path that would go over Swan Mountain began in 2003, when initial estimates put the total cost close to $12 million. The county began tackling the project slowly, laying down the 1.7 mile Lowry section in 2007. In late 2009 they tried to take up the project again, but work was stalled by snow. The Sapphire section was finally completed in July of 2010, followed closely by the .8-mile stretch at Summit Cove completed the same year.
“It was a lot of hard work and people working creatively together to make all of the sections come together,” County Commissioner Karn Stiegelmeier said just before the ribbon was cut. “It takes not just a village. This project took an entire state.”
The path was constructed with contributions from the towns of Breckenridge and Frisco, subsidies from county government, the Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado State Parks and even Great Outdoors Colorado, the organization that distributes money from the Colorado Lottery — a representative of which called Summit County's “one of the best trail systems in Colorado.”
Though maybe one of the best in the state, Summit County's trail system is not finished, speakers at the ceremony promised.
County officials said they plan to put down a 1.5-mile path near the Conoco gas station at Copper Mountain, which will cross to the other side of the river to enhance biker safety up to Highway 91. CDOT is expected to make shoulder improvements to Hwy. 91 for the safety of cyclists this summer as well.
Officials also talked about working with Park County to construct a bike path over Hoosier Pass and with Leadville on a safe and complete path over Fremont Pass.
County commissioners and others close to the $4.6 million dollar process of constructing a bike path between Summit Cove and Farmer's Korner cut the ribbon in a short ceremony Friday morning and officially opened the last section of the path cyclists have waited nearly 10 years to see completed.
Officials called the project, which was finished $8 million short of initial projections and was funded with help from a number of private and public entities, a testament to Summit County's ability to collaborate.
“(This is) one more example of how well we all work together and how we all get along,” County Commissioner Thomas Davidson said at the ceremony. “It's not like this everywhere. It's a special place.”
Crews began working on the last leg of a bike path, which now completely circles Dillon Reservoir, in May. The path runs separate from the street for a short stretch near Sapphire Point and rejoins Swan Mountain Road as a roadside bike lane down to Farmer's Korner. Planning for a bike path that would go over Swan Mountain began in 2003, when initial estimates put the total cost close to $12 million. The county began tackling the project slowly, laying down the 1.7 mile Lowry section in 2007. In late 2009 they tried to take up the project again, but work was stalled by snow. The Sapphire section was finally completed in July of 2010, followed closely by the .8-mile stretch at Summit Cove completed the same year.
“It was a lot of hard work and people working creatively together to make all of the sections come together,” County Commissioner Karn Stiegelmeier said just before the ribbon was cut. “It takes not just a village. This project took an entire state.”
The path was constructed with contributions from the towns of Breckenridge and Frisco, subsidies from county government, the Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado State Parks and even Great Outdoors Colorado, the organization that distributes money from the Colorado Lottery — a representative of which called Summit County's “one of the best trail systems in Colorado.”
Though maybe one of the best in the state, Summit County's trail system is not finished, speakers at the ceremony promised.
County officials said they plan to put down a 1.5-mile path near the Conoco gas station at Copper Mountain, which will cross to the other side of the river to enhance biker safety up to Highway 91. CDOT is expected to make shoulder improvements to Hwy. 91 for the safety of cyclists this summer as well.
Officials also talked about working with Park County to construct a bike path over Hoosier Pass and with Leadville on a safe and complete path over Fremont Pass.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Silverthorne Flood Worries Subside
After a week of heavy rain and high water, inflows to the Dillon Reservoir are beginning to drop off to less alarming levels, Denver Water announced Thursday, allowing Silverthorne residents to breathe a sigh of relief.
“We've been fortunate not to experience any significant flooding problems in Silverthorne with the higher flows we've seen over the last week,” Silverthorne spokesman Ryan Hyland said in an email. “We are pleased to see the Dillon Reservoir inflows dropping and we're hopeful that we will soon see flows in the Blue coming down.”
Despite the decline in water levels, a National Weather Service flood advisory remains in effect on the Blue River in central Summit County through 1 p.m. today.
Denver Water officials reported water flowing into the reservoir dropped to just over 1,950 cubic feet of water per second (cfs) from the nearly 2,200 cubic feet per second dumping into the lake early this week.
The reservoir is now less than a foot from its capacity, and when it fills completely Denver Water will have to release as much water out of the reservoir as is flowing into it.
The utility company has kept outflows at just under 1,900 cfs — slightly more than the lower Blue River's 1,800 cfs capacity — this week in an attempt to avoid releasing heavier flows downstream when the reservoir fills.
With Thursday's waning inflows, it looks like they may have succeeded.
“If the inflow continues to decline, we should soon feel comfortable reducing the outflow to the Blue River,” Denver Water raw water supply manager Bob Steger said in an email Thursday.
But with scattered thunderstorms in the forecast through the weekend, the situation remains tentative for Silverthorne.
“Although Denver Water may soon be able to reduce the inflow into the Blue, the flows will still be fast and high for quite some time,” Hyland said.
Summit County is facing a 30 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms today, according to the National Weather Service, and the same forecast continues throughout the weekend, with rain possible between noon and midnight Saturday and Sunday. High temperatures could approach 80 degrees both days.
Dillon Reservoir isn't the only Colorado reservoir filling up quickly this year. Carter Lake, a Bureau of Reclamation reservoir near Berthoud, is also completely full ahead of schedule, and Horsetooth Reservoir west of Fort Collins is expected to reach capacity in less than two weeks, according to information reported by the Loveland Reporter Herald.
The two lakes are filling with Western Slope snow melt, carried east by a system of pipes, tunnels and rivers to Larimer County.
The lakes haven't been this full in seven years, according to the Reporter Herald.
“We've been fortunate not to experience any significant flooding problems in Silverthorne with the higher flows we've seen over the last week,” Silverthorne spokesman Ryan Hyland said in an email. “We are pleased to see the Dillon Reservoir inflows dropping and we're hopeful that we will soon see flows in the Blue coming down.”
Despite the decline in water levels, a National Weather Service flood advisory remains in effect on the Blue River in central Summit County through 1 p.m. today.
Denver Water officials reported water flowing into the reservoir dropped to just over 1,950 cubic feet of water per second (cfs) from the nearly 2,200 cubic feet per second dumping into the lake early this week.
The reservoir is now less than a foot from its capacity, and when it fills completely Denver Water will have to release as much water out of the reservoir as is flowing into it.
The utility company has kept outflows at just under 1,900 cfs — slightly more than the lower Blue River's 1,800 cfs capacity — this week in an attempt to avoid releasing heavier flows downstream when the reservoir fills.
With Thursday's waning inflows, it looks like they may have succeeded.
“If the inflow continues to decline, we should soon feel comfortable reducing the outflow to the Blue River,” Denver Water raw water supply manager Bob Steger said in an email Thursday.
But with scattered thunderstorms in the forecast through the weekend, the situation remains tentative for Silverthorne.
“Although Denver Water may soon be able to reduce the inflow into the Blue, the flows will still be fast and high for quite some time,” Hyland said.
Summit County is facing a 30 percent chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms today, according to the National Weather Service, and the same forecast continues throughout the weekend, with rain possible between noon and midnight Saturday and Sunday. High temperatures could approach 80 degrees both days.
Dillon Reservoir isn't the only Colorado reservoir filling up quickly this year. Carter Lake, a Bureau of Reclamation reservoir near Berthoud, is also completely full ahead of schedule, and Horsetooth Reservoir west of Fort Collins is expected to reach capacity in less than two weeks, according to information reported by the Loveland Reporter Herald.
The two lakes are filling with Western Slope snow melt, carried east by a system of pipes, tunnels and rivers to Larimer County.
The lakes haven't been this full in seven years, according to the Reporter Herald.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Silverthorne Still Safe from Flooding
SILVERTHORNE — Overnight, water has flooded the banks of the Blue River in Silverthorne, swamping bike paths in some areas and creeping closer to the yards of houses along the water.
The Town of Silverthorne closed the river between 6th Street and the dam to recreational users except for kyaks Saturday as enough water to exceed the Blue River's 1,800 cubic feet per second (cfs) capacity was released from the Dillon Reservoir to avoid a more dire flooding situation in the next week or two.
There have not been any problems in town and it does not currently appear that Denver Water will be forced to raise downstream water levels any higher, according to Silverthorne chief of police Mark Hanschmidt,
“We're just keeping a watchful eye on the river, that's the most important thing,” he said. “The community awareness is pretty high, so I feel good about that.”
He said the town's primary concern now is keeping bridges clear and keeping people away from the swift water.
Water levels are expected to reach their highest point at night, when Straight and Willow creeks, tributaries of the Blue River, reach their peaks between 10 p.m. and midnight. Silverthorne is working with Denver Water to ensure the utility reduces the water released from the reservoir during those hours.
“They want to make sure they're doing the right thing and not flooding people out,” Hanschmidt said. “So they're going to back the outflow out of the reservoir a little bit to take into consideration the increased flows from Straight Creek and Willow Creek. Everybody's safety is No. 1.”
Denver Water made the decision Friday to begin releasing more water from the reservoir, in order to keep levels as low as possible while runoff and this week's rain water flow into the lake at an alarming 2,500 cfs. When the reservoir hits capacity, which could happen in the next week, the utility will have to release exactly as much water out of the reservoir and down into Silverthorne as is flowing into it.
Saturday, Denver Water allowed water levels flowing into the lower Blue River to hit 1,900 cfs, on par with 1995, when unlucky spring weather patterns resulted in a fast snow melt and similar flooding concerns to this year's. In 1995, the act now, stay dry later strategy worked. County and town officials are hoping the same will be true this year.
The Town of Silverthorne closed the river between 6th Street and the dam to recreational users except for kyaks Saturday as enough water to exceed the Blue River's 1,800 cubic feet per second (cfs) capacity was released from the Dillon Reservoir to avoid a more dire flooding situation in the next week or two.
There have not been any problems in town and it does not currently appear that Denver Water will be forced to raise downstream water levels any higher, according to Silverthorne chief of police Mark Hanschmidt,
“We're just keeping a watchful eye on the river, that's the most important thing,” he said. “The community awareness is pretty high, so I feel good about that.”
He said the town's primary concern now is keeping bridges clear and keeping people away from the swift water.
Water levels are expected to reach their highest point at night, when Straight and Willow creeks, tributaries of the Blue River, reach their peaks between 10 p.m. and midnight. Silverthorne is working with Denver Water to ensure the utility reduces the water released from the reservoir during those hours.
“They want to make sure they're doing the right thing and not flooding people out,” Hanschmidt said. “So they're going to back the outflow out of the reservoir a little bit to take into consideration the increased flows from Straight Creek and Willow Creek. Everybody's safety is No. 1.”
Denver Water made the decision Friday to begin releasing more water from the reservoir, in order to keep levels as low as possible while runoff and this week's rain water flow into the lake at an alarming 2,500 cfs. When the reservoir hits capacity, which could happen in the next week, the utility will have to release exactly as much water out of the reservoir and down into Silverthorne as is flowing into it.
Saturday, Denver Water allowed water levels flowing into the lower Blue River to hit 1,900 cfs, on par with 1995, when unlucky spring weather patterns resulted in a fast snow melt and similar flooding concerns to this year's. In 1995, the act now, stay dry later strategy worked. County and town officials are hoping the same will be true this year.
Saturday, July 09, 2011
Possible Silverthorne Flooding
A rainy week in Summit County may bring on the flooding local officials have been waiting for and trying to avoid.
In the wake of a week of thunderstorms, Denver Water is preparing to release enough water from Dillon Reservoir downstream today to overflow the banks of the Blue River in Silverthorne.
“With all the rain we've been having it's causing some extra problems,” assistant county manager Thad Noll said. “It also causes snow to melt faster. That's the double whammy of rain.”
Denver Water has kept reservoir levels low all season, anticipating high runoff levels after record snowfall last winter, but heavy rain this week has increased inflows to the lake, raising water levels and leaving Denver Water and Silverthorne with a tough choice: release slightly more water than the Blue River can handle now and buy some time keeping the reservoir levels as low as possible, or keep controlling the outflow from the lake and be faced with a lot more water coming downstream when the reservoir finally fills.
The Blue River, downstream from the dam, can officially handle about 1,800 cubic feet of water per second (cfs). But current inflows to the reservoir are exceeding 2,400 cfs and once the reservoir fills completely, that is exactly how much water will have to be released downstream.
“Once the reservoir fills, then water in equals water out,” Noll said. “So sometimes raising (outflows) a little higher than 1,800 might be the better option.”
To keep reservoir levels as low as possible and put off the reality of so much water flooding the Blue River in the coming weeks, Denver Water expects to increase outflows to 1,900 cfs today.
“If (they) don't raise it, Silverthorne could have a problem later on,” Noll said.
Citizens and businesses in Silverthorne, particularly those along the Blue River should be prepared, officials stated in a Friday-night release, for high water over the next few weeks.
Denver Water has taken similar precautionary measures before, raising outflows as high as 1,902 cfs in 1995 when inflows peaked at more than 3,400 cfs.
In the wake of a week of thunderstorms, Denver Water is preparing to release enough water from Dillon Reservoir downstream today to overflow the banks of the Blue River in Silverthorne.
“With all the rain we've been having it's causing some extra problems,” assistant county manager Thad Noll said. “It also causes snow to melt faster. That's the double whammy of rain.”
Denver Water has kept reservoir levels low all season, anticipating high runoff levels after record snowfall last winter, but heavy rain this week has increased inflows to the lake, raising water levels and leaving Denver Water and Silverthorne with a tough choice: release slightly more water than the Blue River can handle now and buy some time keeping the reservoir levels as low as possible, or keep controlling the outflow from the lake and be faced with a lot more water coming downstream when the reservoir finally fills.
The Blue River, downstream from the dam, can officially handle about 1,800 cubic feet of water per second (cfs). But current inflows to the reservoir are exceeding 2,400 cfs and once the reservoir fills completely, that is exactly how much water will have to be released downstream.
“Once the reservoir fills, then water in equals water out,” Noll said. “So sometimes raising (outflows) a little higher than 1,800 might be the better option.”
To keep reservoir levels as low as possible and put off the reality of so much water flooding the Blue River in the coming weeks, Denver Water expects to increase outflows to 1,900 cfs today.
“If (they) don't raise it, Silverthorne could have a problem later on,” Noll said.
Citizens and businesses in Silverthorne, particularly those along the Blue River should be prepared, officials stated in a Friday-night release, for high water over the next few weeks.
Denver Water has taken similar precautionary measures before, raising outflows as high as 1,902 cfs in 1995 when inflows peaked at more than 3,400 cfs.
Friday, July 08, 2011
Second Phase of the Valley Brook Attainable Housing Moving Forward
The Town of Breckenridge is pressing forward with the second phase of the Valley Brook attainable housing neighborhood while increased its subsidy of four of the 20 homes making them Housing and Urban Development (HUD) low-income units.
“There is a lot of demand for HUD low income and (we got) very favorable pricing for the construction,” Breckenridge spokeswoman Kim DiLallo said. “It's going to be better for the town's finances in the long run.”
The town council also considered the importance of avoiding competition with Wellington homes on the market in a slightly higher price range when deciding to convert the units to HUD low income. The competition of government-subsidized housing with fair-market units is a common complaint from local real estate professionals.
“There is a lot of demand for HUD low income and (we got) very favorable pricing for the construction,” Breckenridge spokeswoman Kim DiLallo said. “It's going to be better for the town's finances in the long run.”
The town council also considered the importance of avoiding competition with Wellington homes on the market in a slightly higher price range when deciding to convert the units to HUD low income. The competition of government-subsidized housing with fair-market units is a common complaint from local real estate professionals.
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Lowe's Home Improvement Store for Silverthorne?
After roughly 18 months of planning, permitting and coordination, ground has been broken in Silverthorne for a Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse, though controversy still looms in the background with a citizens' lawsuit yet to play out.
After the original lawsuit — essentially a dispute over a zoning technicality — was dismissed April 19 by District Court Judge Karen Romeo, Lowe's officials closed on purchasing the old Vista Subaru building and its land along Buffalo Mountain Drive at the gateway to Wildernest for nearly $4 million. In May, company officials and contractors met with the Town of Silverthorne to coordinate road construction with building construction.
Since then, attorney Rob Waterman has refiled his case against the town, now with 23 plaintiffs instead of four. The goal, he said, is to establish standing — or, prove these residents' property values and quality of life are directly and negatively impacted by the big box's presence — and move onto the argument about Silverthorne's zoning classification for the store.
Town manager Kevin Batchelder said he and the town council are disappointed about the case being refiled.
After the original lawsuit — essentially a dispute over a zoning technicality — was dismissed April 19 by District Court Judge Karen Romeo, Lowe's officials closed on purchasing the old Vista Subaru building and its land along Buffalo Mountain Drive at the gateway to Wildernest for nearly $4 million. In May, company officials and contractors met with the Town of Silverthorne to coordinate road construction with building construction.
Since then, attorney Rob Waterman has refiled his case against the town, now with 23 plaintiffs instead of four. The goal, he said, is to establish standing — or, prove these residents' property values and quality of life are directly and negatively impacted by the big box's presence — and move onto the argument about Silverthorne's zoning classification for the store.
Town manager Kevin Batchelder said he and the town council are disappointed about the case being refiled.
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Art and Wildflower Celebration
Art and Wildflower Celebration - July 7 - 10
Celebrating art, nature and outdoor recreation with something for everyone; featuring plein air painting and art show, guided wildflower hiking and biking, art workshops and demonstrations, and more.
Where: Arts District of Breckenridge & Edwin Carter Museum.
For more information please call: 970-453-3875
Celebrating art, nature and outdoor recreation with something for everyone; featuring plein air painting and art show, guided wildflower hiking and biking, art workshops and demonstrations, and more.
Where: Arts District of Breckenridge & Edwin Carter Museum.
For more information please call: 970-453-3875
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Must Love Dogs!
Tomorrow, Wednesday, July 6 - Must Love Dogs!
Children will learn about Steven Huneck and George Rodrigue who have made themselves famous with their dog-inspired paintings and prints. Children will create their own dog paintings and prints. A live dog model will be provided!
Where: Fuqua Livery Stable
Time: 2 - 4 p.m.
Cost: $25, includes all materials
More information: 970-453-3364
Children will learn about Steven Huneck and George Rodrigue who have made themselves famous with their dog-inspired paintings and prints. Children will create their own dog paintings and prints. A live dog model will be provided!
Where: Fuqua Livery Stable
Time: 2 - 4 p.m.
Cost: $25, includes all materials
More information: 970-453-3364
Monday, July 04, 2011
Arapahoe Basin Closes for the Season - Finally!
ARAPAHOE BASIN — About 4,000 skiers and snowboarders got in one last day on the slopes on Independence Day, the last day of the season at Colorado's Arapahoe Basin ski resort.
Resort spokeswoman Kimberly Trembearth says it's the latest the resort has closed since 1997, when it kept running till Aug. 10.
In 2003, the resort stayed open till July 2. It usually stays open until early June.
Arapahoe Basin is known for opening early and closing late because of its elevation, which captures snow sooner and holds onto it longer than many other resorts. The resort's high point is 13,050 feet above sea level.
Arapahoe Basin's website says it averages 350 inches of snow a year. The resort also uses snow-making equipment.
Resort spokeswoman Kimberly Trembearth says it's the latest the resort has closed since 1997, when it kept running till Aug. 10.
In 2003, the resort stayed open till July 2. It usually stays open until early June.
Arapahoe Basin is known for opening early and closing late because of its elevation, which captures snow sooner and holds onto it longer than many other resorts. The resort's high point is 13,050 feet above sea level.
Arapahoe Basin's website says it averages 350 inches of snow a year. The resort also uses snow-making equipment.
Sunday, July 03, 2011
Joint Upper Blue Master Plan Update
An update to the Joint Upper Blue Master Plan, a intergovernmental agreement guiding all planning matters in the Upper Blue Basin, was approved Thursday after months of negotiation among local governments and planners.
The master plan, first adopted in 1997, provides broad guidance for planners from the county and towns of Breckenridge and Blue River as well as the Upper Blue Planning Commission on development issues with the goal of preserving the basin's natural resources and community character.
“This plan is proof that jurisdictions can work together toward a common goal in the best interest of all three communities,” Breckenridge Councilman Jeffrey Bergeron stated in a town release. “It will protect the interests of the citizens in the Upper Blue Basin for years to come, helping to guide the amount and type of development we will see in the basin in the future, as well as goals toward transportation and transit, open space and trails, water protection, affordable workforce housing and so on.”
The sweeping intergovernmental agreement was due for a revision, officials said, that would bring it up to date with current conditions, concerns and build-out estimates in the valley.
Like the original document, which froze the basin's development potential — measured in density units — the updated draft seeks ways to reduce the current potential build out of the basin in an effort to preserve community character and quality of life.
Final approval of the updated master plan was not easily won, as the parties involved struggled with how to resolve some issues, including ways of mitigating the impacts of affordable housing, one of the few exceptions to the document's freeze on the creation of new development space.
“It is an important plan for the area as it identifies what the community will look like in 10 or 20 years,” Joint Upper Blue update committee and former Upper Blue planning commissioner Robin Theobald stated in the release.
The Upper Blue Basin includes unincorporated Summit County from Farmer's Korner to the Hoosier Pass summit as well as parts of the towns of Breckenridge and Blue River. The master plan serves as a guiding document for planning and development in the basin, used by the Upper Blue Planning Commission, the Summit Board of County Commissioners and the planning commissions and governments of Blue River and Breckenridge as a reference for planning decisions.
The master plan, first adopted in 1997, provides broad guidance for planners from the county and towns of Breckenridge and Blue River as well as the Upper Blue Planning Commission on development issues with the goal of preserving the basin's natural resources and community character.
“This plan is proof that jurisdictions can work together toward a common goal in the best interest of all three communities,” Breckenridge Councilman Jeffrey Bergeron stated in a town release. “It will protect the interests of the citizens in the Upper Blue Basin for years to come, helping to guide the amount and type of development we will see in the basin in the future, as well as goals toward transportation and transit, open space and trails, water protection, affordable workforce housing and so on.”
The sweeping intergovernmental agreement was due for a revision, officials said, that would bring it up to date with current conditions, concerns and build-out estimates in the valley.
Like the original document, which froze the basin's development potential — measured in density units — the updated draft seeks ways to reduce the current potential build out of the basin in an effort to preserve community character and quality of life.
Final approval of the updated master plan was not easily won, as the parties involved struggled with how to resolve some issues, including ways of mitigating the impacts of affordable housing, one of the few exceptions to the document's freeze on the creation of new development space.
“It is an important plan for the area as it identifies what the community will look like in 10 or 20 years,” Joint Upper Blue update committee and former Upper Blue planning commissioner Robin Theobald stated in the release.
The Upper Blue Basin includes unincorporated Summit County from Farmer's Korner to the Hoosier Pass summit as well as parts of the towns of Breckenridge and Blue River. The master plan serves as a guiding document for planning and development in the basin, used by the Upper Blue Planning Commission, the Summit Board of County Commissioners and the planning commissions and governments of Blue River and Breckenridge as a reference for planning decisions.
Friday, July 01, 2011
A Full Slate for the Fourth in Summit County
Frisco
Today
3-10 p.m. — Extreme Ink Festival at Summit Blvd and Marina Road, rides and carnival games for all ages
Saturday
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. — Extreme Ink Festival at Summit Blvd and Marina Road, rides and carnival games for all ages
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — 3rd Annual Downtown Frisco Art Fair on July 4th Weekend, 304 Main Street
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Founders Day, Frisco Historic Park — This fun-filled day at the park will have activities for the young and old alike as well as refreshments and ice cream for sale with proceeds benefiting the Summit County Preschool.
10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — Donkey rides, face painting, sidewalk chalk art and gold panning at the historic park
11 a.m. to noon — Entertainment, The Legendary Ladies at the historic park
Noon to 1 p.m. — Entertainment, Summit Concert Band at the historic park
1–1:45 p.m. — Entertainment, The National Repertory Orchestra at the historic park
2–2:45 p.m. — Entertainment, The Legendary Ladies at the historic park
3 p.m. — Entertainment, Luv Brothers at the historic park
Sunday
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. — Extreme Ink Festival at Summit Blvd and Marina Road, rides and carnival games for all ages
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — 3rd Annual Downtown Frisco Art Fair on July 4th Weekend, 304 Main Street
Monday
8 a.m. — Pancake Breakfast — 3rd Avenue and Granite, benefits team Summit
9-11 a.m. — Kids Fishing Derby — Meadow Creek Park (Kids must bring poles)
10-11 a.m. — Summit Concert Band at the Frisco Historic Park
11 a.m. to noon — Timberline Toppers at Frisco Main Street
12:30 p.m. — Fourth of July Parade on Main Street from Madison to 6th Ave.
1:30-3:30 p.m. — Money Shot at the historic park gazebo
7-9 p.m. — Opie Gone Bad at the Frisco Bay Marina
9:30 p.m. — Fireworks over Frisco Bay Marina. Fireworks are choreographed to patriotic music and simulcast on Krystal 93 (93.9 or streaming on www.krystal93.com)
Dillon
Today
10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Farmers Market On Buffalo Street
7-9 p.m. — Friday Night Concert at the Amphitheatre featuring the Nacho Men
Saturday
10-11:30 a.m. — Saturday Morning Adventures, Tales from the Past: A perspective on the Dillon Cemetery, meet at Marina Park by the concession stand at the amphitheatre
4-9:45 p.m. — Never Forget Our Soldiers: An Evening of Tribute featuring United States Air Force Academy Band & Randall McKinnon, at the amphitheatre
Sunday
7-9 p.m. — Doo Wop Denny's Rockin Oldies Show, island shirt night, at the ampitheatre
Monday
10 a.m. — National Repertory Orchestra, Dillon Amphitheatre. Start your Fourth with this fabulous NRO show. Come early as seats fill fast.
11 a.m. — BOCCE tournament registration, play starts at 12:30 p.m., at Dillon Town Park. Play as either a team or an individual.
Noon — Children's bike decorating and parade, town park. Decorations supplied with participation awards for everyone and top honors for the best of the best.
Noon — Apple pie eating contest, town park
Noon — Watermelon eating contest, town park
Noon — Children's crafts, town park, supplies provided.
Noon — Meet Zinnia the police horse and Sgt. Kipple, town park. Collect Zinnia's trading cards and learn about the important work of a police horse.
3 p.m. — Boat parade on Lake Dillon, Marina Park. Cheer on decorated boats as they compete for top honors in the annual boat parade. (Best seats near Crow's Nest.)
7 p.m. — USO Show: Reveille 3, Dillon Amphitheatre. Step back in time to an era of swing music and GI's! This original show is inspired by and pays tribute to the 1940s and WWII through the music made popular by the Andrews Sisters.
9:30 p.m. — Fireworks display, Marina Park. Enjoy spectacular fireworks over Frisco Bay, Lake Dillon (time approximate).
Breckenridge
Saturday
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Arts District Grand Celebration at the Corner of S. Ridge Street and E. Washington Ave. Open studios, artist demonstrations, make and take art projects for children, music, dancing and more. This is a grand celebration for the arts.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — 28th Breckenridge July Art Festival, at Main Street Station, free admission. Features more than 80 juried artists from around the country.
7:30 p.m. — NRO Concert “Music of Hollywood,” at the Riverwalk Center. Corigliano - Red Violin, Broughton – Themes from Silverado, Conti – “Gonna Fly” from Rocky, Williams – Jaws, Herman – Psycho, Badlet, arr. Rickets – Pirates of the Caribbean and Gershwin – An American in Paris.
Sunday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — 28th Breckenridge July Art Festival, at Main Street Station, free admission. Features more than 80 juried artists from around the country.
Monday
7 a.m. — Independence Day 10K Trail Run. This scenic 10k trail running race offers up some of the best views in the Breckenridge area, while finishing just in time to catch the Main Street parade and other festivities. Register at www.townofbreckenridge.com or call (970) 453-1734.
9 a.m. — Fourth of July Garden Party. Annual Breckenridge Heritage Alliance Garden Party at the Barney Ford House Museum. Watch the Breckenridge Fourth of July parade in style from the best view on Main Street. Cost $15/$40/$75 reservations required. Call 970.453.9767 for more information.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — 28th Breckenridge July Art Festival, at Main Street Station, free admission. Features more than 80 juried artists from around the country.
Reading of the Declaration of Independence by George Washington (C.J. Mueller): Following the parade in the Blue River Plaza.
12:30-2:30 p.m. — Kids' Water Fight on Main Street. Kids can join the Red, White & Blue Fire Dept. in an old time water fight. Free.
12:30-3 p.m. — Viper ‘Show and Shine' - Vipers will be parked on Main Street allowing spectators to view the cars.
2 p.m. — Rusted Root at the Riverwalk Center.
8:30-9:30 p.m. — Fire dancing show by Cosmic Fire Dance, Main Street by the Welcome Center.
9:30 p.m. — Fireworks display, downtown Breck, it will be most visible from the Riverwalk Center lawn, the Blue River Plaza and Main Street National Repertory Orchestra patriotic concert will be simulcast in the Blue River Plaza at the same time.
Keystone
Today
10-10:40 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. — The Red Cape — Keystone Children Theatre, Quaking Aspen Amphitheatre.
7 p.m. — Comedy Night featuring Guy Seidel and Marcus, Warren Station at Keystone in Keystone's River Run Village.
Saturday
3:30 p.m. — River Run Rocks, River Run center. Free concert featuring Five 13 & The Six Million Dollar Band.
9 p.m. Fireworks following the River Run Rocks concerts.
Monday
8 a.m. — Kid's fishing derby, Lakeside Village. Registration at 8 a.m., fishing at 9 a.m. for kids 13 & under.
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — KidsFest, River Run Village. Enjoy a petting zoo, train rides, caricatures, face painter, balloon artist, crafts, games, mascots Olivia and Oliver, spin art, kids' show, bounce houses and more.
9 p.m. — Fireworks
Copper Mountain
Today
5 p.m. — Jeremy Dion at Green Fariy
Saturday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — SPORTS Expo at the Pavilion lawn
9 a.m. — 10K race
10 a.m. — Kids' Primp My Ride Decorating at West Lake. Decorate your bike, skateboard or roller skates with recycled and reused decorating supplies.
11 a.m. — Kid Powered Parade led by the Copper Mountain Fire Department
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Copper's Conscious Carnival — Solar bubble tower, cosmic fire, poi spinning, juggling, giant mural, hula hoop workshops, face painting and kids' story telling.
Noon — Kids' Mini-Marathon (1/3 mile ages 3-10yrs)
Noon — Free Family Concert — The Salteens
1 p.m. — Big wheel rally, kids and adults
4-6 p.m. — Spin Cycle with DJ Laundry on West Lake
6-8 p.m. — Free concert on Burning Stones Plaza main stage, The Salteens
8-9 p.m. — Spin Cycle with DJ Laundry on West Lake
9 p.m. — Fireworks
Sunday
9 a.m. — 1/2 marathon race start
9:15 a.m. — Copper 5k Start
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — Live music with Jeremy Dion at Incline Bar & Grill
Today
3-10 p.m. — Extreme Ink Festival at Summit Blvd and Marina Road, rides and carnival games for all ages
Saturday
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. — Extreme Ink Festival at Summit Blvd and Marina Road, rides and carnival games for all ages
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — 3rd Annual Downtown Frisco Art Fair on July 4th Weekend, 304 Main Street
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Founders Day, Frisco Historic Park — This fun-filled day at the park will have activities for the young and old alike as well as refreshments and ice cream for sale with proceeds benefiting the Summit County Preschool.
10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — Donkey rides, face painting, sidewalk chalk art and gold panning at the historic park
11 a.m. to noon — Entertainment, The Legendary Ladies at the historic park
Noon to 1 p.m. — Entertainment, Summit Concert Band at the historic park
1–1:45 p.m. — Entertainment, The National Repertory Orchestra at the historic park
2–2:45 p.m. — Entertainment, The Legendary Ladies at the historic park
3 p.m. — Entertainment, Luv Brothers at the historic park
Sunday
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. — Extreme Ink Festival at Summit Blvd and Marina Road, rides and carnival games for all ages
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — 3rd Annual Downtown Frisco Art Fair on July 4th Weekend, 304 Main Street
Monday
8 a.m. — Pancake Breakfast — 3rd Avenue and Granite, benefits team Summit
9-11 a.m. — Kids Fishing Derby — Meadow Creek Park (Kids must bring poles)
10-11 a.m. — Summit Concert Band at the Frisco Historic Park
11 a.m. to noon — Timberline Toppers at Frisco Main Street
12:30 p.m. — Fourth of July Parade on Main Street from Madison to 6th Ave.
1:30-3:30 p.m. — Money Shot at the historic park gazebo
7-9 p.m. — Opie Gone Bad at the Frisco Bay Marina
9:30 p.m. — Fireworks over Frisco Bay Marina. Fireworks are choreographed to patriotic music and simulcast on Krystal 93 (93.9 or streaming on www.krystal93.com)
Dillon
Today
10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Farmers Market On Buffalo Street
7-9 p.m. — Friday Night Concert at the Amphitheatre featuring the Nacho Men
Saturday
10-11:30 a.m. — Saturday Morning Adventures, Tales from the Past: A perspective on the Dillon Cemetery, meet at Marina Park by the concession stand at the amphitheatre
4-9:45 p.m. — Never Forget Our Soldiers: An Evening of Tribute featuring United States Air Force Academy Band & Randall McKinnon, at the amphitheatre
Sunday
7-9 p.m. — Doo Wop Denny's Rockin Oldies Show, island shirt night, at the ampitheatre
Monday
10 a.m. — National Repertory Orchestra, Dillon Amphitheatre. Start your Fourth with this fabulous NRO show. Come early as seats fill fast.
11 a.m. — BOCCE tournament registration, play starts at 12:30 p.m., at Dillon Town Park. Play as either a team or an individual.
Noon — Children's bike decorating and parade, town park. Decorations supplied with participation awards for everyone and top honors for the best of the best.
Noon — Apple pie eating contest, town park
Noon — Watermelon eating contest, town park
Noon — Children's crafts, town park, supplies provided.
Noon — Meet Zinnia the police horse and Sgt. Kipple, town park. Collect Zinnia's trading cards and learn about the important work of a police horse.
3 p.m. — Boat parade on Lake Dillon, Marina Park. Cheer on decorated boats as they compete for top honors in the annual boat parade. (Best seats near Crow's Nest.)
7 p.m. — USO Show: Reveille 3, Dillon Amphitheatre. Step back in time to an era of swing music and GI's! This original show is inspired by and pays tribute to the 1940s and WWII through the music made popular by the Andrews Sisters.
9:30 p.m. — Fireworks display, Marina Park. Enjoy spectacular fireworks over Frisco Bay, Lake Dillon (time approximate).
Breckenridge
Saturday
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Arts District Grand Celebration at the Corner of S. Ridge Street and E. Washington Ave. Open studios, artist demonstrations, make and take art projects for children, music, dancing and more. This is a grand celebration for the arts.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — 28th Breckenridge July Art Festival, at Main Street Station, free admission. Features more than 80 juried artists from around the country.
7:30 p.m. — NRO Concert “Music of Hollywood,” at the Riverwalk Center. Corigliano - Red Violin, Broughton – Themes from Silverado, Conti – “Gonna Fly” from Rocky, Williams – Jaws, Herman – Psycho, Badlet, arr. Rickets – Pirates of the Caribbean and Gershwin – An American in Paris.
Sunday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — 28th Breckenridge July Art Festival, at Main Street Station, free admission. Features more than 80 juried artists from around the country.
Monday
7 a.m. — Independence Day 10K Trail Run. This scenic 10k trail running race offers up some of the best views in the Breckenridge area, while finishing just in time to catch the Main Street parade and other festivities. Register at www.townofbreckenridge.com or call (970) 453-1734.
9 a.m. — Fourth of July Garden Party. Annual Breckenridge Heritage Alliance Garden Party at the Barney Ford House Museum. Watch the Breckenridge Fourth of July parade in style from the best view on Main Street. Cost $15/$40/$75 reservations required. Call 970.453.9767 for more information.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — 28th Breckenridge July Art Festival, at Main Street Station, free admission. Features more than 80 juried artists from around the country.
Reading of the Declaration of Independence by George Washington (C.J. Mueller): Following the parade in the Blue River Plaza.
12:30-2:30 p.m. — Kids' Water Fight on Main Street. Kids can join the Red, White & Blue Fire Dept. in an old time water fight. Free.
12:30-3 p.m. — Viper ‘Show and Shine' - Vipers will be parked on Main Street allowing spectators to view the cars.
2 p.m. — Rusted Root at the Riverwalk Center.
8:30-9:30 p.m. — Fire dancing show by Cosmic Fire Dance, Main Street by the Welcome Center.
9:30 p.m. — Fireworks display, downtown Breck, it will be most visible from the Riverwalk Center lawn, the Blue River Plaza and Main Street National Repertory Orchestra patriotic concert will be simulcast in the Blue River Plaza at the same time.
Keystone
Today
10-10:40 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. — The Red Cape — Keystone Children Theatre, Quaking Aspen Amphitheatre.
7 p.m. — Comedy Night featuring Guy Seidel and Marcus, Warren Station at Keystone in Keystone's River Run Village.
Saturday
3:30 p.m. — River Run Rocks, River Run center. Free concert featuring Five 13 & The Six Million Dollar Band.
9 p.m. Fireworks following the River Run Rocks concerts.
Monday
8 a.m. — Kid's fishing derby, Lakeside Village. Registration at 8 a.m., fishing at 9 a.m. for kids 13 & under.
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — KidsFest, River Run Village. Enjoy a petting zoo, train rides, caricatures, face painter, balloon artist, crafts, games, mascots Olivia and Oliver, spin art, kids' show, bounce houses and more.
9 p.m. — Fireworks
Copper Mountain
Today
5 p.m. — Jeremy Dion at Green Fariy
Saturday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — SPORTS Expo at the Pavilion lawn
9 a.m. — 10K race
10 a.m. — Kids' Primp My Ride Decorating at West Lake. Decorate your bike, skateboard or roller skates with recycled and reused decorating supplies.
11 a.m. — Kid Powered Parade led by the Copper Mountain Fire Department
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Copper's Conscious Carnival — Solar bubble tower, cosmic fire, poi spinning, juggling, giant mural, hula hoop workshops, face painting and kids' story telling.
Noon — Kids' Mini-Marathon (1/3 mile ages 3-10yrs)
Noon — Free Family Concert — The Salteens
1 p.m. — Big wheel rally, kids and adults
4-6 p.m. — Spin Cycle with DJ Laundry on West Lake
6-8 p.m. — Free concert on Burning Stones Plaza main stage, The Salteens
8-9 p.m. — Spin Cycle with DJ Laundry on West Lake
9 p.m. — Fireworks
Sunday
9 a.m. — 1/2 marathon race start
9:15 a.m. — Copper 5k Start
10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — Live music with Jeremy Dion at Incline Bar & Grill
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Keystne and Breckenridge Ski Improvements
They're not installing new lifts, but Keystone Resort and Breckenridge Ski Resort are asking for Forest Service approval for improvements to the skiing and biking experience and to the efficiencies of on-mountain infrastructure.
A letter was recently released asking for public comment on the proposals, which would likely be implemented late this summer. Comments are due June 24.
White River National Forest supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams wrote in the scoping letter that the proposed projects don't need an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement, however, he's calling for public feedback prior to making a decision.
Keystone hopes to:
Relocate a vault toilet from the top of the tubing hill to the top of the Peru Express chairlift;
Remove two trees near the wastewater treatment facility to improve snowcat parking;
Enhance less than .5 acres of small vegetation regeneration areas on the front side of the mountain by transplanting some species to other areas of the mountain, mainly those affected by the Mountain Pine Beetle;
Remove about 20 trees from the egress routes of the north and south bowls to improve skier exit from the areas as well as grooming of the routes;
Realign three mountain bike trails — Paid in Full, Let it Ride and Eye of the Tiger — to improve the overall bike trail system and decrease soil runoff; and
Develop a Family Adventure Zone in the tree islands surrounding the trail Schoolmaster, involving timber removal and spot grading.
Breckenridge hopes to:
Install a water line on the Freeway trail on Peak 8 to improve snowmaking efficiency, involving 1,300 feet of ground disturbance;
Develop a ski school trail on Peak 7 between Swan City and Monte Cristo, approximately 14 feet wide with disturbance on about an acre;
Install about 2,500 feet of cable to support the race course on American;
Construct hiking trails, approximately 1,000 feet long, from the top of the Colorado SuperChair on Peak 8 and Independence SuperChair on Peak 7;
Realign a trail 50-foot long connection between the Pioneer bike trail and Southside bike trail; and
Install about 1,500 feet of cable from the bottom of Chair 6 to the existing weather station to improve the station's capabilities.
To learn more about the projects, call Dillon Ranger District snow ranger Shelly Grail Braudis at (970) 262-3484.
To submit comments, address them to Scott G. Fitzwilliams, Forest Supervisor c/o Shelly Grail Braudis, Dillon Ranger District, P.O. Box 620, Silverthorne, CO 80498; or email them to wrnf_scoping_comments@fs.fed.us. Include your name, address, telephone number, organization represented (if any) as well as the name of the project and specific facts supporting any concerns.
A letter was recently released asking for public comment on the proposals, which would likely be implemented late this summer. Comments are due June 24.
White River National Forest supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams wrote in the scoping letter that the proposed projects don't need an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement, however, he's calling for public feedback prior to making a decision.
Keystone hopes to:
Relocate a vault toilet from the top of the tubing hill to the top of the Peru Express chairlift;
Remove two trees near the wastewater treatment facility to improve snowcat parking;
Enhance less than .5 acres of small vegetation regeneration areas on the front side of the mountain by transplanting some species to other areas of the mountain, mainly those affected by the Mountain Pine Beetle;
Remove about 20 trees from the egress routes of the north and south bowls to improve skier exit from the areas as well as grooming of the routes;
Realign three mountain bike trails — Paid in Full, Let it Ride and Eye of the Tiger — to improve the overall bike trail system and decrease soil runoff; and
Develop a Family Adventure Zone in the tree islands surrounding the trail Schoolmaster, involving timber removal and spot grading.
Breckenridge hopes to:
Install a water line on the Freeway trail on Peak 8 to improve snowmaking efficiency, involving 1,300 feet of ground disturbance;
Develop a ski school trail on Peak 7 between Swan City and Monte Cristo, approximately 14 feet wide with disturbance on about an acre;
Install about 2,500 feet of cable to support the race course on American;
Construct hiking trails, approximately 1,000 feet long, from the top of the Colorado SuperChair on Peak 8 and Independence SuperChair on Peak 7;
Realign a trail 50-foot long connection between the Pioneer bike trail and Southside bike trail; and
Install about 1,500 feet of cable from the bottom of Chair 6 to the existing weather station to improve the station's capabilities.
To learn more about the projects, call Dillon Ranger District snow ranger Shelly Grail Braudis at (970) 262-3484.
To submit comments, address them to Scott G. Fitzwilliams, Forest Supervisor c/o Shelly Grail Braudis, Dillon Ranger District, P.O. Box 620, Silverthorne, CO 80498; or email them to wrnf_scoping_comments@fs.fed.us. Include your name, address, telephone number, organization represented (if any) as well as the name of the project and specific facts supporting any concerns.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
4th of July Shortbread Sundaes
Is there a better place to spend the Fourth of July than in our mountain towns? I don't think so. Fireworks, music, parades, craft fairs, good food, smiling people and a sense of community that is a true representation of what's best about our country. Yup, we've got a lot to celebrate!
With so much to do on Independence Day, nobody wants to spend time in the kitchen creating an intricate dessert. It's a day to serve something that's easy to prepare and sure to please folks of all ages. These Fourth of July Shortbread Sundaes fill the bill. The cookies can be made way ahead of time and frozen until the day they'll be used. The berries and ice cream that they accompany require no cooking at all; Just combine and macerate the fruit, scoop the cold stuff, decorate with the shortbread and you've got a tasty, pretty and patriotic ending to a wonderful day.
Vera Dawson, a chef instructor with CMC's Culinary Institute, lives in Summit County, where she bakes almost every day. Her recipes have been tested in her home kitchen and, whenever necessary, altered until they work at our altitude. Contact her at veradawson1@gmail.com.
Fourth of July Shortbread Sundaes
Adjusted for altitudes between 8,000 and 10,000 feet
Makes 8-10 sundaes
----------------------------------------------
Ingredients
Cookies
(This recipe makes from 20-30 star-shaped cookies of varying sizes)
1/4 cup of granulated sugar
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon of all purpose flour
1 teaspoon of vanilla
2 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into pieces
1/2 cup of butter (8 tablespoons, one stick), softened if making with mixer, cut into eight pieces
1 pint of strawberries
1 pint of raspberries
1 pint of blueberries
1 pint of blackberries
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1 quart of vanilla ice cream
----------------------------------------------
Make the star cookies: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees with a rack in the center position. Line a cookie sheet with parchment or aluminum foil. Don't grease it, the cookies might spread. Place a second cookie sheet under the one on which you'll bake the cookies to provide insulation and prevent the bottom of the cookies from overbrowning. With a food processor: Put the sugar and the flour in the bowl of the processor and pulse briefly to combine. Add the vanilla, the pieces of cream cheese and the cut-up butter to the bowl and pulse until the dough starts to come together but stop just before it forms a ball. Turn the dough out of the processor and gently knead until it is smooth and coherent.
With a mixer: Beat the softened butter with the softened cream cheese until very smooth. Add the sugar and beat until the mixture is creamy. Stir in the vanilla, and then gradually add the flour, stirring only until it is no longer visible after each addition. When the dough starts to come together, stop stirring and gently knead until it is smooth & coherent.
----------------------------------------------
Pat the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill until it is firm enough to roll out. (This takes about an hour in the refrigerator) Place the disc of dough between two sheets of plastic wrap and roll to a thickness of just under a fourth of an inch. Remove the top sheet of plastic wrap and, using star cookie cutters (I used three different sized cutters) dipped in flour before each cut, cut out the cookies and place them about an inch apart on the prepared cookie sheet. Re-roll the scraps of dough and cut out more cookies. If the dough gets so soft that it sticks to the cutter, chill it again before cutting out the second batch of cookies. Place the cut-out cookies, on the cookie sheet, in the freezer and freeze for about 7 minutes, until they are very firm. This helps prevent them from spreading while they are baking.
----------------------------------------------
Bake in the preheated oven until the top is set and the bottoms and sides of the cookies are just golden. This takes about 9-13 minutes in my oven, but times will vary. Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately transfer them to a rack to cool. Store for two days in an airtight container at cool room temperature of freeze for longer storage.
----------------------------------------------
Prepare the berries: At least one hour and up to four hours before serving, gently wash and dry all the berries, hull & quarter the strawberries and combine them with the others in a large bowl. Add the sugar and carefully toss (don't bruise the berries) until coated. Cover and refrigerate until serving time, stirring occasionally.
----------------------------------------------
To serve, place a scoop or two of ice cream in each bowl, spoon the berries over and around them, making sure there are equal amounts of both blue and red berries. Top with a couple of the cookies and serve. You may have some berries left over.
With so much to do on Independence Day, nobody wants to spend time in the kitchen creating an intricate dessert. It's a day to serve something that's easy to prepare and sure to please folks of all ages. These Fourth of July Shortbread Sundaes fill the bill. The cookies can be made way ahead of time and frozen until the day they'll be used. The berries and ice cream that they accompany require no cooking at all; Just combine and macerate the fruit, scoop the cold stuff, decorate with the shortbread and you've got a tasty, pretty and patriotic ending to a wonderful day.
Vera Dawson, a chef instructor with CMC's Culinary Institute, lives in Summit County, where she bakes almost every day. Her recipes have been tested in her home kitchen and, whenever necessary, altered until they work at our altitude. Contact her at veradawson1@gmail.com.
Fourth of July Shortbread Sundaes
Adjusted for altitudes between 8,000 and 10,000 feet
Makes 8-10 sundaes
----------------------------------------------
Ingredients
Cookies
(This recipe makes from 20-30 star-shaped cookies of varying sizes)
1/4 cup of granulated sugar
1 cup plus 1 tablespoon of all purpose flour
1 teaspoon of vanilla
2 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into pieces
1/2 cup of butter (8 tablespoons, one stick), softened if making with mixer, cut into eight pieces
1 pint of strawberries
1 pint of raspberries
1 pint of blueberries
1 pint of blackberries
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1 quart of vanilla ice cream
----------------------------------------------
Make the star cookies: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees with a rack in the center position. Line a cookie sheet with parchment or aluminum foil. Don't grease it, the cookies might spread. Place a second cookie sheet under the one on which you'll bake the cookies to provide insulation and prevent the bottom of the cookies from overbrowning. With a food processor: Put the sugar and the flour in the bowl of the processor and pulse briefly to combine. Add the vanilla, the pieces of cream cheese and the cut-up butter to the bowl and pulse until the dough starts to come together but stop just before it forms a ball. Turn the dough out of the processor and gently knead until it is smooth and coherent.
With a mixer: Beat the softened butter with the softened cream cheese until very smooth. Add the sugar and beat until the mixture is creamy. Stir in the vanilla, and then gradually add the flour, stirring only until it is no longer visible after each addition. When the dough starts to come together, stop stirring and gently knead until it is smooth & coherent.
----------------------------------------------
Pat the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill until it is firm enough to roll out. (This takes about an hour in the refrigerator) Place the disc of dough between two sheets of plastic wrap and roll to a thickness of just under a fourth of an inch. Remove the top sheet of plastic wrap and, using star cookie cutters (I used three different sized cutters) dipped in flour before each cut, cut out the cookies and place them about an inch apart on the prepared cookie sheet. Re-roll the scraps of dough and cut out more cookies. If the dough gets so soft that it sticks to the cutter, chill it again before cutting out the second batch of cookies. Place the cut-out cookies, on the cookie sheet, in the freezer and freeze for about 7 minutes, until they are very firm. This helps prevent them from spreading while they are baking.
----------------------------------------------
Bake in the preheated oven until the top is set and the bottoms and sides of the cookies are just golden. This takes about 9-13 minutes in my oven, but times will vary. Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately transfer them to a rack to cool. Store for two days in an airtight container at cool room temperature of freeze for longer storage.
----------------------------------------------
Prepare the berries: At least one hour and up to four hours before serving, gently wash and dry all the berries, hull & quarter the strawberries and combine them with the others in a large bowl. Add the sugar and carefully toss (don't bruise the berries) until coated. Cover and refrigerate until serving time, stirring occasionally.
----------------------------------------------
To serve, place a scoop or two of ice cream in each bowl, spoon the berries over and around them, making sure there are equal amounts of both blue and red berries. Top with a couple of the cookies and serve. You may have some berries left over.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Pets in Summit County
As we roll into our summer season and the county begins to pack with visitors and seasonal residents alike, Summit County Animal Control reminds you of some very important pet owner responsibilities.
Dog licensing in Summit County is the law. All dogs over the age of 3 months are required to have a valid Summit County Pet Animal License after the dog has been owned, kept, maintained or harbored in the county for any consecutive 14-day period. Licenses may be obtained at the shelter in Frisco for all dogs residing in unincorporated county, Dillon, Silverthorne and Blue River. Dog owners need to bring a copy of their dog's current rabies vaccination record. The cost for a one-year license is $15 for a spayed or neutered dog and $50 for an intact dog.
There are many benefits that go along with licensing your pet aside from abiding by the law. First of all, you are more likely to have your pet returned to you by an animal control officer if your pet is wearing a valid license. If your dog is injured, the officer will be able to contact you. You also may avoid costly impound fees and fines if your dog is wearing a valid license. License fees support the animal control and shelter .
Even though it may seem like a good idea to take your pet along to run errands or accompany you on an outing, leaving a pet in an unattended vehicle can be deadly, and you may be ticketed. Animal control reserves the right to enter any unattended vehicle where an animal is in distress. The temperature outside may be comfortable, but inside, it can double or even triple within an hour. Even with windows cracked, your pet can be at risk of overheating and death. If you must leave your pet in a vehicle, remember to provide proper ventilation and water and park in the shade whenever possible. Check on your pet regularly to be sure they are not in distress from the heat. It is best to avoid the risk and leave your pet at home where he will be more comfortable.
In most areas of unincorporated county, the law is immediate control, unless otherwise posted. This means control of an animal by the physical presence of a responsible person, within 10 feet of the animal and such responsible person does exhibit voice control over the animal so as to prevent it from being a public nuisance or from being in violation of Summit County Animal Control resolutions.
The laws on bikeways, all wilderness areas, national forest campgrounds, including A-Basin are considered “physical control,” which means control of an animal by means of a tether or a leash no longer than six feet in length, attached to the animal and held by a responsible person; or, confinement within a locked vehicle or locked enclosure sufficient to prevent the animal from escaping or making contact with other persons or animals. Also be aware that dogs that harass wildlife may incur you a $300 fine as well as being dangerous to your pet.
When planning a hike with your dog, be sure to condition your best friend by working up to the distance and terrain you plan to tackle. Pay attention to your dog's feet when crossing scree and other rough terrain as their pads can get torn up causing the dog to become immobile. Remember to be courteous to other hikers and bikers on trails and keep your animals under control when approaching others. If your animal causes an accident or injury, you as an owner are responsible for all costs incurred.
Lastly be mindful of picking up after your pet. It's not only the right thing to do but is required by law.
For questions or concerns, contact the Summit County Animal Control and Shelter at (970) 668-3230, or log on to www.co.summit.co.us/animalcontrol to view our laws and resolutions.
Dog licensing in Summit County is the law. All dogs over the age of 3 months are required to have a valid Summit County Pet Animal License after the dog has been owned, kept, maintained or harbored in the county for any consecutive 14-day period. Licenses may be obtained at the shelter in Frisco for all dogs residing in unincorporated county, Dillon, Silverthorne and Blue River. Dog owners need to bring a copy of their dog's current rabies vaccination record. The cost for a one-year license is $15 for a spayed or neutered dog and $50 for an intact dog.
There are many benefits that go along with licensing your pet aside from abiding by the law. First of all, you are more likely to have your pet returned to you by an animal control officer if your pet is wearing a valid license. If your dog is injured, the officer will be able to contact you. You also may avoid costly impound fees and fines if your dog is wearing a valid license. License fees support the animal control and shelter .
Even though it may seem like a good idea to take your pet along to run errands or accompany you on an outing, leaving a pet in an unattended vehicle can be deadly, and you may be ticketed. Animal control reserves the right to enter any unattended vehicle where an animal is in distress. The temperature outside may be comfortable, but inside, it can double or even triple within an hour. Even with windows cracked, your pet can be at risk of overheating and death. If you must leave your pet in a vehicle, remember to provide proper ventilation and water and park in the shade whenever possible. Check on your pet regularly to be sure they are not in distress from the heat. It is best to avoid the risk and leave your pet at home where he will be more comfortable.
In most areas of unincorporated county, the law is immediate control, unless otherwise posted. This means control of an animal by the physical presence of a responsible person, within 10 feet of the animal and such responsible person does exhibit voice control over the animal so as to prevent it from being a public nuisance or from being in violation of Summit County Animal Control resolutions.
The laws on bikeways, all wilderness areas, national forest campgrounds, including A-Basin are considered “physical control,” which means control of an animal by means of a tether or a leash no longer than six feet in length, attached to the animal and held by a responsible person; or, confinement within a locked vehicle or locked enclosure sufficient to prevent the animal from escaping or making contact with other persons or animals. Also be aware that dogs that harass wildlife may incur you a $300 fine as well as being dangerous to your pet.
When planning a hike with your dog, be sure to condition your best friend by working up to the distance and terrain you plan to tackle. Pay attention to your dog's feet when crossing scree and other rough terrain as their pads can get torn up causing the dog to become immobile. Remember to be courteous to other hikers and bikers on trails and keep your animals under control when approaching others. If your animal causes an accident or injury, you as an owner are responsible for all costs incurred.
Lastly be mindful of picking up after your pet. It's not only the right thing to do but is required by law.
For questions or concerns, contact the Summit County Animal Control and Shelter at (970) 668-3230, or log on to www.co.summit.co.us/animalcontrol to view our laws and resolutions.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Photographers for Shelter Pets
Happy Earth Day.
Please visit this site:
Photographers for Shelter Pets
Photographers doing what they can to help make a difference - No More Homeless Pets.
Pass it along to friends and encourage them to visit.
Please visit this site:
Photographers for Shelter Pets
Photographers doing what they can to help make a difference - No More Homeless Pets.
Pass it along to friends and encourage them to visit.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Total Sales up
Total sales through March continue to run more than 20 percent ahead of the same period last year. While prices are still declining, the pace of that decline has slowed. The average sale price to date was $443,000. Buyers seem to realize that the bottom is near as well priced properties enter the market and sell more quickly than normal.
There are still about 1,850 properties for sale this week. The inventory isn't increasing as fast as it normally does at the end of ski season.
There are still about 1,850 properties for sale this week. The inventory isn't increasing as fast as it normally does at the end of ski season.
Monday, April 04, 2011
Cell Phone Service Might Improve
Recent news that AT&T will acquire T-Mobile USA within the next year could be good for local AT&T subscribers, as representatives of the cellphone company say the buy-out will improve 2G, 3G and eventually, 4G service throughout the state.
The service improvement process will be expedited, AT&T reps say, by the fact that T-Mobile operates on a similar system, allowing AT&T to begin using existing T-Mobile cell sites, including a tower at Beaver Run in Breckenridge.
“At the end of the day, this is really just going to be good for customers,” AT&T spokeswoman Sandy Goldberg said. “It's going to improve service, enhance long-term evolution (LTE) and (allow) more efficient use of the wireless spectrum.”
The acquisition, which is expected to be complete in a year's time, will bring LTE, essentially 4G, service to approximately 46 million more AT&T customers nation wide, growing the networks reach from 80 to 95 percent of the U.S. population.
It's good news for local AT&T cellphone users who consistently experience service gaps in various parts of the county, though nearly every major network has a noted local “dead zone.”
For AT&T the drive from Frisco to Farmer's Korner is patchy at best. The Summit Daily News has also heard complaints about the network's service in Frisco as well as on the mountain at Breckenridge and Keystone, particularly at peak times.
Ten Mile Canyon and Summit Cove seem to be dead zones for multiple service providers and Verizon customers say coverage is also bad between the Summit Medical Center and the County Commons.
Service through the Interstate 70 mountain corridor to Denver is also bad for AT&T customers, though it is unclear whether the T-Mobile acquisition will improve it.
The service improvement process will be expedited, AT&T reps say, by the fact that T-Mobile operates on a similar system, allowing AT&T to begin using existing T-Mobile cell sites, including a tower at Beaver Run in Breckenridge.
“At the end of the day, this is really just going to be good for customers,” AT&T spokeswoman Sandy Goldberg said. “It's going to improve service, enhance long-term evolution (LTE) and (allow) more efficient use of the wireless spectrum.”
The acquisition, which is expected to be complete in a year's time, will bring LTE, essentially 4G, service to approximately 46 million more AT&T customers nation wide, growing the networks reach from 80 to 95 percent of the U.S. population.
It's good news for local AT&T cellphone users who consistently experience service gaps in various parts of the county, though nearly every major network has a noted local “dead zone.”
For AT&T the drive from Frisco to Farmer's Korner is patchy at best. The Summit Daily News has also heard complaints about the network's service in Frisco as well as on the mountain at Breckenridge and Keystone, particularly at peak times.
Ten Mile Canyon and Summit Cove seem to be dead zones for multiple service providers and Verizon customers say coverage is also bad between the Summit Medical Center and the County Commons.
Service through the Interstate 70 mountain corridor to Denver is also bad for AT&T customers, though it is unclear whether the T-Mobile acquisition will improve it.
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