Pass could have short winter

TABIONA, Duchesne County — Wolf Creek Pass won't be kept open throughout the winter this year, but chances are good that it may remain open past its usual Dec. 1 closing date and reopen a bit earlier in the spring, depending on the weather.

That's good news for most residents of the Tabiona and Hanna valley, who save considerable time and gas when they can take the shorter route over the mountain to access the Wasatch Front, rather than travel on U.S. 40. News that Wolf Creek could remain open all year, starting in the winter of 2005, is greeted with even more enthusiasm by the west Duchesne County residents. However, it's not exactly what snowmobile enthusiasts — who depend on U-35 to connect with recreational complexes and a groomed trail system — want to hear.

It will be up to the Utah Transportation Commission to determine if it will be financially feasible to keep Wolf Creek open longer in the winter and, eventually, year-round. The commission meets Nov. 19 and will hear input from area residents and snowmobilers, who attended a recent UDOT public meeting in Tabiona.

UDOT region 3 manager Tracy Conti said it would cost $350,000 a year to maintain the road, when the cost of additional equipment is figured in.

Studies must be conducted to determine if that price is too steep based on the small population it would benefit. "We are going to present the costs and the benefits associated with keeping it open during the winter and get their direction on which way to proceed . . . but they may say it costs too much money and then it's moot," he said of Transportation Commission members.

"Either way, we are working with stakeholders on getting it open quicker in the spring."

One of those stakeholders is the Utah Snowmobile Association, which objects to the year-round traffic that would essentially close down a groomed course of trails snowmobilers have enjoyed over Wolf Creek Pass since 1976. Doug Page, president of the Utah Snowmobile Association, said his group is not opposed to plowing the road, but would have to find a way to replace what they would lose in terms of groomed trails.

Page said he believes a compromise can be worked out as long as all stakeholders involved agree to work towards a solution that will provide the best of both worlds.

A study over the summer showed about 240 vehicles a day travel Wolf Creek Pass. However, that number is a "very liberal" estimate, Conti noted.

The study did not distinguish between use by residents and nonresidents. Conti said he does believe a resolution on later closing and earlier re-opening dates will be easily reached this year.