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Show Page 10 The Ogden Valley news Volume XV Issue IX April 15, 2008 Dangerous Avalanche Conditions Expected in Final Weeks of April Very warm temperatures towards the end of April could cause widespread wet avalanche activity in Northern Utah where up to 3 feet of cold, dry snow has fallen recently. Temperatures could reach up into the mid 60’s in the higher elevations, and in the 80’s in the valleys. Brentt Kobernik with the Utah Avalanche Center stated, “This spring has been unusually cold and snowy, and this will be the first major warm up of the spring. Just like people, snow does not like rapid changes. When cold, dry snow warms up for the first time, it comes as quite a shock to the snowpack, which will produce wet, loosesnow avalanches and occasional wet slab avalanches on many steep slopes. These will likely occur on most aspects and elevations, but especially on steep slopes facing the south half of the compass in the heat of the afternoon.” Backcountry travelers should avoid slopes approaching 35 degrees and steeper and avoid crossing under these slopes especially in the afternoon. There is also the possibility that portions of the roads in Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons may be closed at times especially during warmest parts of the day. People should check the latest avalanche conditions by monitoring our web site at www.utahavalanchecenter.org or call 888-999-4019. Recorded information customized for each forecast area. Also, check for road closures by calling the UDOT recording at (801) 975-4838. POWDER MTN. cont. from page 1 almost always a handful of kiters going back and forth over the 48-foot slider. Norwegian Morten Gerstad from Snowkitefilm.com and his crew were busy filming with sled support. Their HD footage should be available for viewing next fall with the next Snowkitefilm.com film release. Saturday evening, participants also enjoyed a presentation from Andrew McLean and the Pittarak Expedition. “Big Air Sunday was amazing!” says Vierra. “Perfect wind, blue skies, and lots of sun surrounded by breathtaking views. Constant pre-event snowfall and risk of getting features completely covered kept the snowcat from building jumps and a quarter pipe spine we had planned before the event. Early on, the snowcat went out and built up something for kiters to play on. As the morning progressed, the “big air” scene was no less than impressive. Pro riders from all over the world, including Norway, New Zealand, and the United States, and many others put on a great exhibition. I can vividly remember the bottom graphics on skis and boards better than who was riding them.” All in all, the wind and weather cooperated and the first annual SuperFly Open snowkite festival had a great turn out on all three days. Event coordinators plan on holding the SuperFly Open at Powder Mountain again next winter. If you would like more information about snowkiting visit <www. utahkiteaddiction.com> kite clinics going strong, and also provided much needed event support. Local sponsors included Powder Mountain Resort, Lake Side Resort Properties, Mountain Luxury Real Estate, Wolf Creek Resort, Watts Enterprises, GOAL Foundation, Suunto, Destination Eden, Ogden CVB, AA Photography, Ogden Valley Magazine, Diamond Peak, Zions Bank, Valley Market, Alpine Pizza, and the May Foundry. In addition to event sponsors, there were twenty plus volunteers working through the Goal Foundation, who helped with everything from setting up tents, hanging banners, running flags, and handling registration. The snowkite festival began on Friday, February 8 with strong gusty winds and the freestyle competition. “The boys were quick to set up the 20 foot slider and put on a show for the photogs. Meanwhile, we worked hard to get the 48’ slider in place,” states Vierra. In addition, the Best Winter Girl Model Search was held at Rumors Lounge in Ogden. “The runner up was not only beautiful, she owns a quiver of kites, was from Canada, and was actually snowkiting that day.” Saturday had lighter winds for most of the day—around 10-15 mph. The winds were just strong enough to do the “timetrial” kite race, and keep kites in the air most of the time. Before and after the time trial, there were Mountain Green Prescribed Fire The Ogden Ranger District is planning to implement a prescribed fire in the Mountain Green area. Depending on weather conditions, the prescribed fire could take place from April 14 through May 15. The Mountain Green Project would involve the use of prescribed fire on approximately 1000 acres of National Forest System land in Weber Canyon on the north slope above the Devils Gate in the Tatterson Creek Drainage parallel to Interstate 84. Resource Benefits “The goal of the prescribed fire is to restore the integrity and diversity of the brush communities,” said Chip Sibbernsen, Ogden District Ranger, “and to specifically create a mosaic pattern of uneven-aged brush and open grassy areas that directly benefit wildlife.” Vegetation within the area is comprised of Gambel oak and bigtooth maple. This type of vegetation is a critical part of the forest ecosystem which provides biological diversity and numerous other resource benefits such as forage for wildlife, plant diversity, wildlife viewing opportunities, and scenic beauty. However, over time, decadent Gambel oak and bigtooth maple populations result in a buildup of hazardous fuels. Prescribed fires play a role in forest health by reducing hazardous fuels that, in turn, reduce the risk and severity of unnatu- rally hot wildfires that can disrupt natural ecological processes. Reintroducing prescribed fire into the ecosystem establishes effective vegetation regeneration, lowers the occurrence of insects and disease, protects soils in the area, and prevents erosion. Burn Prescription “We feel that spring burning of this fuel type has a number of advantages over burning late in the summer or fall because of cooler night time temperatures, higher relative humidity, and higher soil moisture,” said Sibbernsen. To meet resource and safety concerns, prescribed fires must only occur when a specific set of conditions are met. These conditions include air, soil, and vegetation moisture levels; temperatures and wind directions and speeds; smoke dispersal; and expected fire behavior. The prescribed fire will only be ignited when fuel moistures and weather conditions will allow the smoke to rapidly dissipate or drift away from communities near the burn area. Qualified fire personnel will use hand-held drip torches and a helicopter to ignite fire in the designated units. Engines and crews will monitor the burn areas until the fire is completely extinguished. To obtain the most current information pertaining to the status of prescribed fires, please contact the Ogden Ranger District at (801) 625-5306 or (801) 625-5112, or go to <www.fs.fed.us/r4/wcnf/fire> WOLF CREEK cont. from page 1 The Rusty Cactus, will be closed for renovations, and will reopen in May only to those holding club memberships and to Wolf Creek Utah Lodging guests. Wolf Creek Grill, formerly known as Tracks, will be offering a limited menu for golfers in the beginning of May, and then will expand its menu as the golf season continues. Guests who book their stay through Wolf Creek Utah Lodging will continue to have access to the amenities that the community offers, including the golf course, on a limited, fee-basis. Wolf Creek Adventures, which offers community activities within Ogden Valley, including skiing at Wolf Mountain, will remain open to the general public. Also, the Wolf Creek Foundation will continue its philanthropic activities. Chad Stoddard, Wolf Creek Utah Golf Professional, will lead the membership program and will be responsible for transitioning Wolf Creek Utah into a private resort community. New club membership packages will offer a full, lifetime and multi-generational opportunity with unlimited access, as well as a more recreation-specific membership program that will include limited access to its championship 18-hole course golf club, restaurants, and the current and future amenity base. Wolf Creek General Manager Bill Cox stated that the decision to privatize the resort has been in Wolf Creek’s long range plan for several years. “It makes good sense in the real estate market, creating real value for our customers, such as those who will be investing in our Powder Canyon project located on Wolf Creek Drive.” Powder Canyon is a 60-unit vertical development offering vacation rental property, and will be located directly below Moose Hollow. When asked if the move to privatize had anything to do with rumors that Wolf Creek was having financial problems. Cox adamantly replied, “No. There is no truth to these rumors, none whatsoever. The real estate market is stabilizing and improving. 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