Throne Traverse Construction Project

I'm well aware of that decision and the history surrounding it. Including the well founded suggestion that backing off the King lift helped to seal the permitting of Northway.

But a NPS closure of the boundary that effectively closed SB to lift skiers would probably reshape the game completely.

Then Xtal would be able to go back to the FS and and point out that it's permit terrain had been reduced and that it was faced with a significant increase in Pugetopolis population and skier numbers. Ultimately there comes a point where you can't (and shouldn't protect all riparian reserves or miniscule streams)

Ultimately I suppose we just need more or bigger ski areas in WA. I think the former a better solution than the later. Even though it's considerably less likely to happen.

This is kinda off topic but looking for some help.

The contours are in 5 foot increments. Where does one get 5 foot incremental contours maps?
www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/projects/GrubstakeA...e3ThroneTraverse.pdf

The guv-mint, I bet. Can you imagine how big that map would need to be to carry a useful sized area for touring? Still, it'd be great for hunting out the details of a route.

This is kinda off topic but looking for some help.

The contours are in 5 foot increments.  Where does one get 5 foot incremental contours maps?
www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/projects/GrubstakeA...e3ThroneTraverse.pdf

Those are actually 1ft contour intervals with the index every 5ft and they created them from their own survey elevations (assuming since the maps look AutoCAD based). If not survey based then they were created from a DEM (Digital Elevation Model).

What a great thread, kudos to Kieth for bringing this to our attention and to all the viewpoints expressed. I feel truly fortunate to frequent a mountain with so many ardent fans. With all of the conspiracy and counter conspiracy theories I did do some due diligence. The decision to apply for the Throne Traverse improvement was simply that. Improve skier safety and access to what is currently inbounds. CM has received comments from guests as well as staff on the sometimes ugly conditions and has responded appropriately. The terrain in question is not sacrosanct backcountry. It is skier and boarder lift accessed territory. The improvements center around filling the low spots, removing the whoops if you will and hopefully allowing natural vegetation to hold the snowpack in place. I might be convinced to agree with Scottsman and others that there maybe some Darwinonian element to holding Chair 6 skiers to a higher standard than say your Queens skiers, however i am reminded that the quality of our lives depends on the decisions we make.That said I will take umbrage with anyone who tries to justify endangering my safety whilst i am choosing an appropriate route based on upon their supposed advanced skill set. The ski slope is not the place to chest thump about ones testosterone level (or perhaps lack thereof). please feel free to sign up for the Mountain Challenge comps here at Crystal as well as Snowbird etc to let the world note your prowess.
I remain your faithful scribe, old and slow.

You weren't slow today!
I was getting getting pulled along in your slipstream you were skiing so fast( when I could get close enough). Great skiing with ya.