Crater Lake Lodge suffers water damage
· LEE JUILLERAT For the Herald and News
The lodge is closed during the winter and is scheduled to be open from May 20 to October 10 this year.
Keller estimated cost of the damage, which is covered by insurance, at about $300,000. Although the lodge is owned by the NPS, the concessionaire, Xanterra, is responsible for its maintenance. It’s expected repairs, including installing new dry wall and carpeting, will be completed by late March.
He said the damage went unreported because heavy snows forced the closure of the road between park headquarters in Munson Valley to Rim Village for 17 days in December. Along with heavy snow, a National Park Service rotary plow used to help clear the deep snow was inoperable for several days, which prevented concession staff from making routine inspections.
“It added a layer of complications” to learning about the leak and making repairs, according to Sean Dennison, the park’s management assistant.
Keller said the leak began from a frozen water pipe on the fourth floor of the four-story building, which eventually caused water damage to rooms on the lower three floors and basement. An estimated 7,000 gallons of water leaked, damaging walls and wallpaper, carpeting, mattresses and other features.
“We got a restoration crew in immediately,” Keller said of repairs, which are ongoing. “It’s a small break that just ran and ran and ran.”
He and Dennison said repairs and an improved system design will minimize damage if a similar incident occurs.
The lodge underwent extensive repairs in the 1990s and reopened in 1995, but still features its 1920s-era features and “rustic charm.” A dining room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner during its operating season and the Great Hall includes a fireplace and large seating area. As part of its rustic flavor, the rooms do have televisions or telephones, and not all rooms include a shower or tub. Most rooms are typically booked a year in advance. For information about the lodge visit www.craterlakelodges.com
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