The can't-keep-track-of-the-rooms Tosers may typify Deer Crest's clientele, rolling-in-dough carte blanchers collecting second, third or fourth homes much like a 12-year-old would charms for a bracelet. Zibby and Jim must choose between vacationing here or the farm in Millbrook, N.Y., where they raise miniature horses.

But Deer Crest represents a smidgen of all that is happening at Jordanelle. In fact, its very scope is either exhilarating, impressive, frustrating or frightening.

The perspective depends on whether you are residents in surrounding areas concerned about perceived traffic, water, sewer and environmental impacts (see accompanying story on residents' fears).

And it depends on whether you're a developer dreaming of immense profits. Or Wasatch County, in a position to reap tens of millions of dollars for its general and educational funds at buildout.

That date variously is predicted to be 10, 15 or 20 years.

"A lot of people think we sold the county down the tubes to the developers. But this will be without doubt one of the greatest things to happen in Heber Valley's history," said LaRen Provost, Wasatch County commissioner, who helped set up the Jordanelle Special Services District, which administers reservoir development.

As presently constituted, Jordanelle construction will sprawl over 22,000 acres, masterplanned for 12,646 residential units involving approximately 50 separate developers. Hundreds of units may be added on 3,500 acres owned south of the reservoir by billionaire James Sorenson, who has yet to apply for density determination.

Stand at the reservoir now and spin slowly. Virtually everywhere the eye now drinks in hills, trees, streams and lake promises to be checkerboarded with houses in a 360-degree sweep.

Yet planners believe the project retains a healthy share of the wilderness that is its calling card.

"Seventy percent of land mingling and surrounding the project is on state or federal land. You'll still feel the open space," said Dan Matthews, manager of the Jordanelle Special Services District.

Plans call for three 18-hole golf courses in one development alone — Victory Ranch, a 7,000-acre enclave that has seen golfing great Tiger Woods visit for fishing getaways. Another 18-hole course is slated for the 572-acre Tuhaye Ranch development on the reservoir's east side.