Weekend Ogden Valley Tragedies Leave Two Dead

Experienced Swimmer and Motocross Rider Both Killed

An experienced swimmer was hit by a boat and killed Sunday evening on Pineview reservoir.  The boat that allegedly hit Ogden resident Esther Fujimoto, 49, left the scene.  The boat is described as  white and blue with three males riding inside.

From Fox 13 news, we share this video,  Woman killed at Pineview Reservoir identified as U of U researcher

And from the Standard Examiner:

  
Boating victim was familiar with waters, says colleague

Weber County Sheriff's Office Lt. Lowther encourages anyone who might have been in the area to contact the sheriff's office. They especially hope to hear from three individuals in a blue and white boat who were sailing in the area, to share any information regarding what they might have seen.

On Thursday, during practice at the Powder Mountain Motocross, 16 year old Dylan Perkins of Surprise, AZ was killed.

Teen rider killed at Powder Mountain motocross practice

 Dylan is the second death in the Powder Mountain Motocross three year history.  In 2009, 16 year old Tanner Krahenbuhl, from Henderson, Nevada, was killed when the motor home he was riding in lost control and rolled over on the Powder Mountain road.

Zogmaister abandoned the citizens of Ogden Valley

An important comment promoted to the front page

By Laura

When you hear Zogmaister bragging about bringing growth to Ogden Valley, think of the financial collapse of Wolf Creek.

During the tour of Powder Mountain properties early in the game, all voters should have heard the shrill voice of Zogmaister telling everyone what a plus this "Mega Resort" was going to be. You can be sure that if the single access road went past her home, she would have had a different response.

Zogmaister abandoned the citizens of Ogden Valley when push came to shove on the Powder Mountain question. When asked why she did not vote against the incorporation of the town when some of her constituents would lose their civil rights, she refused to answer.

Predictable Outcome for Ogden Valley

Last night at the Weber County Commission public hearing on Powder Mountain it was no surprise when the Weber County Commissioners voted to accept the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) submitted by the Powder Mountain developers with a unanimous vote. The County Commissioners stated this was just a beginning, with much more work

to be done.

Despite the numerous Ogden Valley residents who spoke sincerely of their opposition to the MOU, citing the General Plan and fairness issues, it was clear in the end, that their well documented and logical points had negligible influence with the Weber County Commissioners.

To be sure, there were supporters of the MOU at the meeting and they spoke of their reasons for support. Most said they were affected homeowners who want to be free of the incorporation threat. They feel caught in a vise between the developers and Weber County. They must have forgot who put them there in the first place.

Commissioner Dearden spoke at length about the poorly written bill (HB466) that was passed in the state legislature and how these things happen. What he failed to address was the fact that when the bad bill was replaced a year later by a revised bill on incorporation, the specific section that generated this entire anti-incorporation uproar was left in place in an intentional and calculated move by the legislature.

Of interest was the presentation of Mr. Pierce of Pronaia when he said that in his investigation of the use of Transfer Development Rights (TDRs) around the country, TDRs have not been found to be successful. Not so much as a whimper was heard from the three Weber County Commissioners despite the fact that these same Commissioners have directed the GEM Committee and others to evaluate the use of TDRs for implementation in Ogden Valley, involving many hundreds if not thousands of hours of study and reports in recent years. Yet the Commissioners had no reaction when Mr. Pierce questioned the value of TDRs. This does not bode well for open land preservation in the future for Ogden Valley.

In addition, it was obvious that the Commissioners are dismissive on the issue of consistency regarding the 3 acre restriction that other developers and land owners have followed in Ogden Valley for the last twelve years.

Mr. Pierce also did his best to lay the blame for problems on the initial Powder Mountain developers (WAH) due to their approach and strategy. While he may have a point, Pronaia’s hands are tarnished as well for continuing to use the threat of incorporation to achieve their goals.

Mr. Pierce may feel this is somewhat unfair. Accordingly, The Ogden Valley Forum challenges Mr. Pierce and Pronaia to drop the incorporation with no strings attached to demonstrate good faith, and to continue this process using the offices of the Weber County Commission and the Weber County Planning Department to work out a non leveraged and equitable deal on the development at Powder Mountain.

On the beautiful and calm Memorial Day before storm tomorrow evening at the Weber County Commission chambers, we will direct our humble readers to this morning's Di Lewis article:

Divided opinions on plans for Powder Mountain

Many Valley-ites are quoted with the majority of those quoted being opposed to the Memorandum of Understanding that will be before our humble group of all-star commissioners Tuesday evening at 6:PM (of course, get there early to get a seat).


From today's Di Lewis article:

Valley residents worry that increased traffic and the development of 2,800 units at the resort will turn their home into a polluted suburb.

"It goes far beyond the community this time," said Eden resident Sharon Holmstrom. "This time, they have the homeowners in a vise from which they cannot escape.
"If a development agreement is not reached, then homeowners are stuck with the incorporation and expense and horror of that. But if they go along with that agreement, then they undermine the general plan for the rest of the valley."
Eden resident Kirk Langford is concerned that allowing higher than normal density at the resort in order to reach a resolution will open the door for future developers to demand density variances.

Langford and Holmstrom, along with many other landowners, lost two-thirds of their development rights in the down-zoning of the valley in 1998.
Now they are worried the move the landowners hoped would preserve the valley will be pointless if the resort is allowed to have more than its allotted development rights for the amount of land.

"I'm for Powder Mountain being developed," Langford said. "I think they should get every single entitlement that they had on the land when they bought it. ...
"But I've watched people go to build one house up here, and if they're a quarter acre short, too bad, they can't build. So why should they (the resort) be able to get 1,600 more (units)?"

It's about fairness, said Eden resident Steve Clarke.
"The thing I focus on right now is the fairness issue that people who own a considerable amount of property surrendered property rights and went from 1-acre zoning to 3-acre zoning," he said.

"I feel like it's unfair for the county to give density to a resort that other people gave up willingly years ago. It's important for the county commission to acknowledge the contribution of these landowners."

But some residents believe the memorandum, with recent changes, might be the best plan they can get to end the problems in the valley, said Darla Van Zeben, an Eden resident within the incorporation boundaries and one of the residents involved in the lawsuit against the county.

The revised memorandum, now available on the county website http://www.co.weber.ut.us/commission/public_hearings.php, limits the resort to one golf course, creates a 1.5 percent fee for improvements and removes the developers' ability to withdraw from the agreement after action is taken on a neighboring development with common ownership.
Van Zeben said those were the issues creating the most worry among homeowners.
Most potential town residents don't think it's a perfect solution, she said, but it's one they can live with.

"There are parts of this deal that are tough to accept, but we're all in a tough situation and this new MOU might just be the best deal the Ogden Valley is going to get," Van Zeben said.

She said they are worried that if the incorporation is ultimately approved, it would allow unbridled development across more than 20,000 acres, rather than controlled development over 4,200 acres.

Because the incorporation petition was possible through a short-lived law, Van Zeben said she doesn't think other developers would be able to demand higher density.

 As a bonus today, we will include several letters to the editor of the June 1, 2010 issue of the Ogden Valley News.  It is posted below this article so be sure to scroll down.

As an enhanced bonus, we will link to this morning's Weber County Forum Post on the subject:

Standard-Examiner: Divided Opinions on Plans for Powder Mountain

In true Rudi-esque Fashion, he has created a "cribsheet" of various articles that have appeared on the subject in recent weeks.

Before we run off to 'Vegas Baby' to roll the dice on tomorrow's outcome, we will give all a chance to join in our straw poll that is located near the top of the right side bar.

As Ron Burgandy would say during signoff, "Stay Classy Ogden Valley."

Comments on Powder Mountain Draft MOU

Submitted by Dan Schroeder, Conservation Chair, Ogden Sierra Club

May 28, 2010

Dear Commissioners:

Thank you for providing this opportunity to comment on the draft “Binding Memorandum of Understanding” (MOU) between Weber County and the owners of Powder Mountain (WAH). These comments are submitted on behalf of the Sierra Club and our more than 300 members who live in Weber County.

Before getting into the MOU itself, I would like to express our gratitude for your courageous position on the matter of appointing the Powder Mountain Town Council. It is a fundamental American principle that our leaders should be chosen by the people, not merely appointed by a particular commercial interest or by those who own the most land. This principle is enshrined in the Utah Constitution and is supported by the Equal Protection clause of the U.S. Constitution. Ogden Valley residents of all political persuasions have now rallied behind this principle, and we have every reason to expect that the courts will agree. Weber County is therefore engaging in the present negotiations from a position of strength

With this in mind, here are the Sierra Club’s concerns with the draft MOU:

1. The MOU fails to protect the Middle Fork Wildlife Management Area.

First among the Sierra Club’s concerns is that there is no language in the draft MOU to provide any protection whatsoever to the Middle Fork Wildlife Management Area (WMA). As you know, the WMA borders the Powder Mountain property on three sides, and provides critical habitat for elk and many other wildlife species. Earlier proposals from the Powder Mountain owners have vividly shown their intent to place private home sites along much of the WMA boundary. This would threaten the WMA by enabling unauthorized entry, trail construction, motor vehicle use, and poaching. These problems already occur in other remote areas of northern Utah where private residential properties adjoin public lands. The Powder Mountain boundary is similarly remote, making law enforcement impractical.

Fortunately, there is an easy way to prevent these problems. The development plan should include a buffer zone that separates private lots from the WMA, with a trail along the entire boundary that would give law enforcement personnel access to this critical area. The trail might also be used for public recreation, to whatever extent is consistent with the overriding goal of protecting wildlife habitat.

I therefore request that if you go forward with the MOU, you add a provision for a buffer zone and other necessary protections for the WMA. It would be prudent to consult with the Forest Service and the Division of Wildlife Resources regarding the details of these provisions.

2. The traffic safety/impact study should not be delayed.

The draft MOU inappropriately postpones the initiation of the traffic/impact study until many years in the future, after nearly 1500 units have already been constructed on Powder Mountain. This delay would create long-term uncertainty over the ultimate impact of the development on the rest of Ogden Valley, including the question of whether a second access road would ever be built. It is unfair for the residents of Ogden Valley to have to live with this uncertainty for so long. Instead, the traffic/impact study should be completed before any MOU or development agreement is finalized.

3. The MOU would allow Phase 2 to proceed before safety recommendations are met.

Although Section 2.3 of the MOU requires WAH to pay for the traffic safety/impact study and to “begin implementation” of the study’s recommendations before proceeding with Phase 2, it does not actually require that the safety recommendations be fully (or even mostly) implemented. If this loophole is not closed, it will almost certainly lead to unsafe conditions and/or additional litigation.

4. The MOU is an invitation for future litigation.

WAH has already demonstrated its eagerness to go to court to get what it wants. Entering into a “binding” memorandum of understanding would give WAH additional grounds for future litigation, tying the County’s hands whenever it might seek to impose additional requirements that are not explicitly included in the MOU.

Conclusion:

While an informal MOU might serve as a useful guide for future negotiations, I am not convinced that a binding MOU would be in the best interest of the County under any circumstances. Instead, I would urge you to bring forward an actual development agreement that spells out the County’s requirements in much more detail.

Should you nevertheless choose to go ahead with this binding MOU, I urge you to amend it to address the concerns described above.

Sincerely,

Dan Schroeder

Details of the great Ogden Valley Sellout available on Weber County's web site

The staff report for the upcoming Public hearing (aka, the Great Sellout of Ogden Valley) is available on the Weber County web site.

Click here to study this 26 page masterpiece

In it, you will find a time line of the events related to Powderville and some really cool maps.

To remind us all of the date, we have included this handy countdown clock.



Maybe the commissioners need to move the meeting over to the Dee Events Center.

Let's pack 'em in next Tuesday!

Powder Mountain Memo of Understanding available - UPDATED

The Powder Mountain Memo of Understanding is now available for downloading at:

http://www.co.weber.ut.us/commission/public_hearings.php

While we have not had a chance to dissect or digest it completely,  we wanted to make sure our expert readers have a chance to analyze the MOU.  Our preliminary analysis indicates they are asking for substantially more than double the current zoning (housing units).

We will highlight three important sections:

2.1 Phase 1: 

1,477 units, meaning single-family dwelling units with hotel
rooms being counted as the equivalent of one-third 1/3 of a single family
dwelling unit. In other words, a 100 unit hotel would count as 33 units.
Commercial development is not included in the density number.
Recreational and commercial uses shall be developed as needed to
support the resort (ski lifts, lodges). Phase 1 may proceed in
accordance with this Memorandum and adoption of the DA, which shall
not otherwise impair, burden or delay implementation of Phase 1 as long
as the development complies substantially with the approved concept
plan.

2.3 Phase 2 Density. 

Upon meeting the requirements specified in 2.2 above
and the conditions and benchmarks to be specified in the DA, WAH shall
be entitled to proceed with Phase 2, an additional 1323 units, which
shall include SDUs, MDUs, and hotel rooms. Hotels, commercial and
recreation uses shall count as described in 2.1 above.


7. Eden Heights and Additional Powder Mountain Zoning. Eden Heights
consists of approximately 1,500 acres, as more specifically described in Exhibit
B to this MOU. Eden Heights is adjacent to Powder Mountain and has certain
common ownership with Powder Mountain. The Parties anticipate that Eden
Heights will be filing an application for rezoning with Weber County in the near
future.

In 1998, Ogden Valley residents forfeited 2/3's of their development rights when Weber County changed minimum zoning from 1 acre to 3 acres.

Snowbasin is using the Resort zone to preserve open space on the valley floor while gaining extra density at the resort.

Powder Mountain is agreeing to release the "Powderville hostages" in exchange substantial increases in density.

Two things appear obvious:

1. Powder Mountain doesn't really want to force incorporate a small group of hostages who don't want to be forced into a company town.
2. Powder Mountain is wary of the outcome of the Supreme court case.

The June 1 public hearing is likely just a formality of a deal done long ago, but if ever there was a time for our ELECTED officials to draw a line in the snow, the time is now!

What say ye, Ogden Valley?

UPDATE:  5/21/10 @ 8 am

The Weber County Forum  has some interesting posts and comments about the contentious Powder Mountain issue.

We suggest that you check it out in preparation for the June 1st meeting in the
Commission chambers. 

Be sure to read the analysis by Frankc.
• Frank C. comments 5/20/10

Gage Froerer's H.B. 218 Passes in the House By a Stunning 63-0 Vote

This just in and we will refer you to the Weber County Forum for details along with audio from today's meeting.

Be sure to catch an update to yesterday's post regarding a "deal" in which Powder Mountain will withdraw their petition.  See below.

Early Report From Capital Hill: Powder Mountain Will Withdraw The Petition To Incorporate

UPDATE:  More sketchy details below.

The "deal" is still under wraps, but a source close to the negotiations between Powder Mountain, The Weber County Commissioners, members of the citizens group, Representative Gage Froerer and Senator Alan Christensen tell us that "they have conceptually agreed to terms that would include the withdraw of the petition to incorporate."

We will be crossing our fingers and toes in anticipation of the details being released about the "deal," but hope the commissioners did not give away the 'farm' so many have worked on for decades in the form of zoning ordinances, master plans and the general plan. 

We also hope the public will be offered an opportunity to provide input through the public process.

After all, the devil is in the details! 

UPDATE 2-12-10

Lips are still tight regarding the 'conceptual agreement' but we will offer this.  According to Gage Froerer, there is no SIGNED agreement.  Furthermore, Gage has stated that his legislation does not go away until and unless the incorporation is pulled from the table.

It has also been suggested that any "deal" will be contingent upon full citizens input and the proper public hearings.  This will take some time. 

With that in mind, we must keep our eye on the ball and be ready to pressure the Senate with mass emails and capital visits when the time is right.   


Stay tuned!

Counter Attack!

Guest Post by Cujo

Counter Attack!!  Last Saturday's paper indicated that Rep. Froerer was
approached by the powdervillahns to dissolve Powder Mountain Town in exchange
for our giving up the valley to them. Everybody should E-mail Rep. Froerer
and tell him any deal with the powdervillahns should include a plan for
revegetation of wolf creek trail and a new access road with a less than seven
degree pitch. If possible,it should require the powdervillahns to submit to the
Weber County permitting process without exception. E-mail GFROERER @Utah.gov
now!

Boycott!    Nobody with whom you carry on a discussion or communicate
should ever give money to patronize Powder. Tell the truth.

Powder Mountain Mass Email

Here is an email sent out Monday from Powder Mountain to season pass holders and others subscribed to their email list.  Surprisingly, the area is the identical area in which Powder Mountain illegally bulldozed a trail last fall THEN asked for permission to close off the public access, all in the name of safety (safety from losing their hiney this year after once again alienating the locals we thinks).

From the email:

Powder Mountain is now offering guided tours in the area known as DMI or Wolf Canyon. Since the resort now has several options for backcountry tours, we thought this would be a good time to remind our guests about Powder Mountain’s ski area boundary policies.

Wolf Canyon/DMI Tours

The Ultimate DMI Tour – A full day tour of Wolf Canyon for 5 - 10 guests led by 2 guides. The ultimate tour takes you to open bowls, chutes, gladed trees and all the powder you can handle. The tour includes lunch, use of avalanche beacon, and a private van shuttle to maximize your vertical for the day. $280 per person. A minimum of 5 guests are required for tour to run.

Backcountry Ski & Skin – This tour of Wolf Canyon offers the challenge of a good climb combined with long, expert powder runs. You bring backcountry skills, stamina and full backcountry gear – AT equipment or split board, skins, beacon, shovel, and probe. We provide one cat ride up Lightning Ridge and all the powder you can handle. Our experienced pros will safely guide you through expert terrain. $300 per tour for 1 to 6 guests, the price is the same. An all area lift pass is also required.


Ski Area Boundary Policy

Thank you for your cooperation and assistance in honoring and respecting the ski area boundaries and private property surrounding Powder Mountain Resort. Continuing to do so will help us maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all of our guests. Failure to do so will result in loss of skiing/riding privileges and possible worse.

A copy of the policy can be found on Powder Mountain’s website.

Season Pass Backcountry Upgrade

A backcountry upgrade season pass of $100 provides the following privileges.

* Ski-in skin-out Wolf Canyon Access
* Limited hiking access to Powder Safari Zones. Upgraded season pass holders must check with the Mountain Adventure Center each time for prior to heading out.
* Stand-by List for Powder Safari and Wolf Canyon/DMI Tours. Guests must pre-pay for a tour to be on the stand-by list. Monies will be returned at the end of the ski season for any tours paid for, but not actually taken.

Powder Safari: $175 Regular Price $350

DMI Tour: $80 Regular Price $280

* Upgraded passes are sold at the Mountain Adventure Center

Freeride Clinic

Every Wednesday night Powder Mountain is offering a “free” two-hour freeride clinic for skiers and boarders. Coaches meet participants in the Sundown Lodge at 5:30 pm. A valid lift pass is required.

--
If you want to unsubscribe, please use this link
If you want to change your preferences, please use this link
www.powdermountain.com

Who will be the first to comment on their recent venture?  Sounds like a bargain to us, and we bet the snow is fabulous although you may want to take your rock skis just in case.  And make sure you have some extra P-Tex too!

Contact The House Government Operations Standing Committee ASAP

From Rudi At The Weber County Forum

We spoke last evening with Rep. Froerer, who urged us to put up a link to contact all members of the House Government Operations Standing Committee, who will again find this matter [House Bill 218] back on their agenda on Friday. In that connection we've put together this bulk email contact link, which will allow readers who are concerned about passage of this bill to register their support in one single email:

• 2010 House Government Operations Standing Committee Contact Links

We've been railing about disenfranchisement of Ogden Valley citizens for several years. Let's not let this bill now fail through our complacency. C'mon, gentle readers. Let's get those emails flowing now. We'll also suggest that those who've already sent emails to Rep. Froerer should send duplicates to the full committee via our newly bulk contact link. 

We can't pull any punches now - LET 'EM HEAR FROM US!

Guest Rant By "Born To Be Free"

This rant was tucked away today as a comment under our August 6, 2009 post entitled:

Stop Powder Mountain Town Sign Thefts

With the 2010 Legislative session opening this Monday, we thought this would be a perfect preamble:


By Born To Be Free

I'm shocked at some of these comments.

First, there was no 'loophole' that granted the developers the right to form Powder Mountain Town. It was a very well devised scheme between the developers and willing Utah politicians who in the shadow of the night wrote a law that allowed for the development. Once the 'good' people of the legislator figured out what they had voted in, they voted it out just as fast. It was a scam, pure and simple.

Second, there is nothing selfish about people standing up for their constitutional rights that were tromped on by scheming individuals. Get your facts straight before you start calling people names.

Third, spare me your "I've lived here longer than the hills" speech. I'm sick of it. Guess what? I live here too. I have land just like you.

Fourth, those people who were swallowed up by Powder Mountain Town are mostly in a demographic that generally does not need to steal tickets, or jump on the lifts for free, or any other silly things you accused them of doing.

I was at the meeting where the representatives of PM requested permission after the fact to close down the public trail so they could open it for private tours. Over and over again, PM employees testified that people used the mountain without paying. It sounds to me like their employees aren't doing a very good job. Maybe they just need more employees? If someone can get on a lift without a pass and the employees are selling discounted tickets in the parking lot, who's fault is that? Come on!

And finally, leave Jim Halay out of your childish rant. Mr. Halay is a good man. He lives here, works here, and loves the land. He has integrity.

Soon this will be finished…..and the people of Powder Mountain Town will be free.

Any comments Ogden Valley???

The Standard Editorial Board Nailed It This Morning With "Resort Road Won't Work" - Relating to the Powder Mountain Road, of Course

The Standard hit right to the heart of the Powder Mountain Road issue this morning with their editorial Resort road won't work.  Be sure not to miss the Grondahl cartoon, too.

Here are some tidbits, but read the entire editorial by clicking here:  (emphasis added)

The facts are clear: If there are going to be major plans for expansion at Powder Mountain -- including yearlong events and perhaps a new incorporated town -- there needs to be major changes with road access to Powder Mountain resort.

They went on to say,

The Weber County Sheriff's Department is concerned about the dangerous impact of heavier traffic up the resort road, but it can't do anything other than patrol the roads to make sure travel is as safe as possible.

And then,

It seems to us that some major brainstorming is needed. The existing road is not adequate. It won't work. Powder Mountain officials need to lead the way in coming up with safer, better transportation ideas. Unless some feasible idea is implemented to make the resort road safer and more practical, we can't see Powder Mountain's expansion ideas becoming a reality.

 Any comments from our Ogden Valley observers?

More Front Page Media For Powder Mountain

Di Lewis' front page Standard article entitled "After summer fatality, officials worry about more wrecks along Powder Mountain road's steep grade" was spot on.

Capt. Klint Anderson, Weber County Sheriff's Department spokesman, said officials are concerned about the potential for more accidents if the resort becomes a year-round destination, but the department can't do much about it other than enforce speed limits and snow tire requirements.

"It's a steeper, more treacherous road than most, and you don't typically get that kind of equipment -- trucks with heavy equipment and trailers," he said.

During the winter months, there are mostly SUVs with skiers, he said, and there are potential problems with heavier vehicles traveling the road.

Powder Mountain spokeswoman Carolyn Daniels said the road is a state highway, so improvements or changes would be up to the Utah Department of Transportation.

She said she isn't the right person to comment on what steps the resort would take to make traveling safer for guests, but the appropriate person was unavailable.

Interpreted, Powder Mountain has NO intention of spending a dime to make the road safe. Traffic deaths are just a cost of doing business.

Weber County Deputy Eric Fryer said in his report on the August accident that he stopped to assist vehicles having brake problems.

He said about 20 vehicles had stopped along the road to let their brakes cool down.

It was at that point he had to jump out of the way, because the 40-foot motor home pulling a 24-foot trailer was speeding down the road.

Fryer said all of its tires were smoking and it looked like the brakes had gone out.

Four other witnesses saw the RV's brakes smoking as the vehicle flew out of control down the road at speeds estimated at anywhere from 40 to 70 mph.

Powder Mountain's media nightmare continues and they still want a community the size of Brigham City on top of the mountain. It makes sense to us.

Wolf Creek's Steve Roberts Passes

We have collaborated some recent emails below regarding the recent passing of Wolf Creeks Steve Roberts. While we at the forum didn't always agree with Mr. Roberts, he was different than so many Valley developers we have seen come and go over the years. Steve was a great man who made Ogden Valley his home and was a large part of our community. He was always willing to support events, not only monetarily, but he was also willing to work hard for the event or organization.

Here is a portion of an email that was forwarded to us:

With sadness I wanted to let you know that Steve Roberts died this last Saturday evening. Lowell Peterson tells me that a brain tumor was the last straw. They operated and felt it was successful, but then his body just couldn’t hold up any longer. This is a difficult note to write. Steve has been a believer in Ogden Valley in a way most residents did not really see. He cared about the community as well as the resort. His loss is huge. My sympathies are toward his wife and children.

And here is the latest from Wolf Creek

Dear Wolf Creek Family –

There will be celebration of Steve’s life on Thursday evening at 7:00pm in Pineview Lodge. Immediately following that there will be coffee and refreshments on the Plaza.

The kids are putting together a DVD so if you have photos you think are appropriate please send them to Sue.

All of the Roberts’ family and friends in Utah will be attending so please park in the Maintenance Building parking lot.

The family has requested that instead of sending flowers we make a donation to the Wolf Creek Foundation. You can give that to Annette, Sue or send it to

The Wolf Creek Foundation

P.O. Box 658

Eden, UT 84310

If you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact Bill, Tim or Sue.

Standard Examiner Op-Ed on The Powder Mountain Road

In case you missed this morning's Standard Examiner,

read the Opinion section for an excellent summation of the

issues that many have with the safety of the Powder Mountain

Road.

Memorial For Tanner Krahenbuhl

A very nice memorial web site has been created for 16 year old Tanner Krahenbuhl, the young motocross-er who died Sunday evening on the Powder Mountain Road in Eden.

Visit www.TannerKrahenbul.com to view some fabulous photos of a young racer who was breaking into the big time of MX.

Here's to your next holeshot Tanner!

Mayhem or Mountain of Fun?

Powder Mountains PR nightmare continues with this front page masterpiece from the Standard.

Time is short today, but we will copy a portion of the original Kimbal Wheatley Manifesto written in February, 2008.

Mr. Wheatley writes:

We will make it clear that we will do everything possible to make sure any and all liabilities associated with the people who are injured or die on Powderville roads will land squarely in their lap. For example, two-to-three times the density means at least two-to-three the accidents. Based on the PERPS own traffic analysis, the excessive density will result in a lot of dead and injured people (based on the last six years, we can expect 40 dead people every six years from brake failure alone). UDOT and the Ogden Valley Planning Commission have weighed in on the risks of exceeding the capacity of the roads when there are limited options for improving safety (especially in Ogden Canyon, at Pineview dam and on Powder Mountain road), so it should be relatively easy to put the death and injury liability on the PERPS or its puppet town council where it belongs.

Prophetic or simple actuarial statistics??





God Speed Tanner Krahenbuhl - this one's for you!











We will end with a post from a very wise contributor to the Standard Forum:

By: MXFan @ 08/31/2009, 11:54 PM

Sad for everyone involved. The MX people that have posted on here need to take something into account. After reading through these comments, the local residents are not attacking the RV driver or the MX community, they are criticizing the developers. Keep in mind, many of the locals have seen this small community grow around them. With this expansion, they have seen accidents and tragedy increase ten fold. Their comments are directed to the Powder Mtn developers. If you build it, they will come is the saying, but keeping them safe when they do come is equally important. Many feel that Powder Mtn bears the responsibility of that. The locals are voicing that once again after this accident. The locals are not badmouthing motocross or the participants. They are using this as another sad example as to why Powder Mtn should spearhead the effort to make the road to their facility safer for everyone else that comes. There seems to be plenty of income flowing to this facility, but not to the roads that lead to it. It seems like the residents are more concerned than the developers. Prayers for the families involved.

Fatal Accident on Powder Mountain Road

Updated 8-31-09 @ 2:30 PM (scroll down)

A fatal rollover accident on Hwy. 158 Sunday evening once

again has highlighted the dangers and steep grades that exist on Powder Mountain Road.

The existing single road to Powder Mountain is a difficult and dangerous road at best. It has several grades that exceed 13% and has been the site of numerous accidents in recent years, including a number of fatalities. According to UDOT, there is virtually no room to improve or widen this road and no modifications can be made to lessen the grades, which are hazardous for drivers any time of the year.

This is the latest incident to reinforce the opposition by many Ogden Valley residents to any large expansion at the Powder Mountain resort that would result due to the incorporation of the proposed town.

Blogmeister Update:

Click here to view the story on KSL and be sure to read the pithy comments.

Click here to read this morning's article in the Standard and be sure to view the video footage.

It was a huge weekend for Life Flight as they made some 6 - 8 flights to area hospitals.

In response, Powder Mountain President and CEO Greg Greer said,

Injuries are to be expected at motocross events, Greer said.

"It's part of the sport," he said, adding a medical helicopter was on standby throughout the event. "They (riders) go fast, they go high and when they fall they break things."

The motocross is expected to gross about $100,000 for Powder Mountain, said Greer.

That makes it all worthwhile?

From Friday's Standard:

EDEN — Two motocross riders were injured in separate accidents at Powder Mountain’s motocross track Thursday afternoon. The first accident occurred around 2:15 p.m. and the second at 3:30 p.m., according to Carolyn Daniels, a spokeswoman for Powder Mountain. Names of the riders and details about the accidents were not released but Daniels said both individuals were transported by helicopter to a local hospital. The riders were among more than 200 practicing on the course for a motocross competition this weekend.

And From Saturday's Standard:

EDEN — Two more motocross racers were taken to hospitals by helicopter ambulance Friday for treatment of injuries they incurred while preparing for the motocross races being held this weekend. The first incident occurred at 11 a.m. Friday, said Weber County Sheriff’s Lt. Phillip Howell. He said a 35-yearold Sandy man crashed and suffered multiple bone fractures. He was transported to McKay-Dee Hospital. The second incident happened at 2:30 p.m.A 21-year-old male was taken to the University of Utah Hospital. While Howell said his injuries are still unknown, he was unconscious when the call was made and when he was flown to the hospital. Two racers also were injured in practice racing Thursday. No information on their conditions or their names was released.

After all, they made $100K

UPDATE 8-31-09 @ 2:30 PM

The Standard Examiner has identified the victim as Tanner Krahenbuhl, 16, from Henderson, Nevada.

Click here to review several previous posts regarding the safety (or lack thereof) of the Powder Mountain Road.

And from the Weber County Forum, click here.