Overnight Camping – Backcountry
The existing overnight backcountry permit camping system would be maintained. In addition, the NPS would explore development of a hut-to-hut cross-country ski system within the park to increase opportunities for winter backcountry use.
Alternative 4 – Expanded Cross-Country Skiing and Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling
In addition to the existing snowmobile/snowcoach route from the north entrance to North Junction, snowmobiles would be allowed access to the rim via the Pinnacles road. Snowmobiles would enter and exit the park via the former east entrance and travel on the Pinnacles road to and from the Phantom Ship overlook at Kerr Notch. This would provide an additional 12-mile round-trip route for snowmobile use in the park. A route along the northeast portion of Rim Drive linking the Pinnacles road with North Junction is not proposed, because of steep terrain and avalanche hazards in the Dutton Cliffs area.
Cross-Country Skiing
In addition to the cross-country skiing system described under Alternative 3, the NPS would explore the possibility of developing a groomed trail system on Rim Drive. Alternatively, a groomed trail could be established on Rim Drive east to Vidae Falls or Sun Notch, and possibly west to the Lightning Springs trailhead.
Snowshoeing
Same as in Alternative 3.
Overnight Camping – Frontcountry
Same as in Alternative 3.
Overnight Camping – Backcountry
Same as in Alternative 3.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
The Winter Use Plan
Water Resources
There is no evidence indicating that existing winter recreation activities have an impact on water resources. It is unlikely that pollutants build up in concentrations large enough to cause a measurable impact on surface water quality. Use of snowmobiles and other mechanized snow machines is prohibited near the caldera rim and confined to the north entrance road. As a result, oil or other chemicals that may leak from the snow machines do not enter Crater Lake. Additionally, there are no surface water bodies in proximity to the north entrance road that would be contaminated by exhaust emissions or chemicals leaked from snow machines.
To protect water resources from backcountry skiing and camping activities, regulations require that all campsites be located at least 100 feet from any surface water body. Because winter use in the park will remain much as it is under existing conditions, it is unlikely that impacts on surface water resources would occur.
Wildlife
Crater Lake National Park is not heavily used by wildlife during the winter months, because many of the larger animals, such as deer and elk, migrate to lower elevations to escape deep snow conditions. Other animals hibernate during the winter season. The species that do live at higher elevations during the winter are minimally affected by existing winter activities. There is no evidence indicating that existing winter use activities in Crater Lake National Park adversely affect wildlife. Therefore, because use levels would not increase and areas of activity would not change significantly, no impacts on wildlife species are expected to occur.
