Mt Hood's new Howitzer and Newton Creek Access?

Now that Mt Hood Meadows has heavy artillery to combat avalanches, I'm concerned about how that will affect access to Newton Creek Canyon.  MHM has recently started to blast from points afar.  I'm worried that they'll be lobbing shells at Pea Gravel Ridge and beyond leaving BC visitors pretty much helpless.

Does anybody know what the risk is now with regard to the new cannon?  Has MHM addressed or even considered the safety of Newton Creek Canyon users?

In years past, they place a "turn back" sign on the Heather Canyon trail when they're doing avalanche work.  That's a good thing.  I wonder if they might start over-reaching their authority and close all access even in Newton Creek.  If so, I'd like to incite revolt

JJS

In case you haven't seen it, here is a new "feature" of their website:

www.skihood.com/Mountain/Conditions/avalanche.aspx

The new MHM web site feature is basically useless legal stuff. And it's what prompted me to ask my question. I sent an email to the general info email address on their web site asking for specific info on the permit area boundaries. I doubt the bots at MHM will send a reply.

I have to wonder what legal basis MHM has for limiting access to Heather Canyon and anywhere else for that matter. As I understand it, they have a permit to operate a ski area on public land. It's still public land so shouldn't I be allowed access as with any other public land?

Where can I find a copy of the MHMs permit that was granted by the feds?

[Tried to go backcountry skiing yesterday through meadows permit area, was consequently informed by patroler "wes" that no uphill activity (ie. skinning, walking ,snowshoeing or mountaineering) will be allowed in their permit area!! In other words we cannot access the mountains; wyeast slope,white river,coopers spur or the newton drainage from the meadows parking lot without walking all the way around their rope lines.  This new policy is in place to protect us from their avalanche control work and their new big gun. Administration  says the area will only be closed during control work ,however on the hill patrolers tell a different story, that they could be doing remote control work at any time and  therefore backcountry skiers are never  going to be allowed.

Snodog, where were you stopped?  They used to place a sign a little before the bottom of Heather lift.  Was it that point where they stopped you?

Obviously the "permit area" is everywhere up to the Wilderness boundary.  At least that's what they'd have us believe.  I've been there early enough on certain days that I get there before they have a chance to set up their turnaround signs.

The good thing about hand carried charges is that they can make sure visitors are clear first before they throw.  The problem with a howitzer is that they can't check if they're gonna fire from a mile away to the target.  I'm worried the almight dollary which is motivating the use of this gun will endanger wilderness users.

JJS

Your not the only one wondering how this is going to work. I be the sign to stop up hill travel will go up everynight no matter if they plan on bombing or not. Guess get in there early before they can bust you before you hit the woods. What is the fine if you are caught up there? Thier permit area is huge. Why would they need to blast all the way on cooper spur? No one from the resort goes over there.

Yes $$$ ruled this one. This process went fast and as far as I can tell with little public input. But we will see how things work this winter. I plan on testing rules as often as I can.