Burke submits act 250 application for new Lift

[Telemechanic]

True, but there are lots of two stage towers out there. The tower on Whistler Blackcomb's Excalibur Gondola failed when it filled with water an froze. Any type of tower can fail if ice is allowed to build up inside.

 

[riverc0il]

Burke has an existing two stage tower near the top of Willoughby. One of the higher chairlifts spots in the east that I can think of along with the Sunnyside Double at MRG as it ascends Gazelle.

 

[deadheadskier]

wonder what the benefit is of having such a two stage type set up vs. a single straight pole?

Wasn't what happened with the Blackhomb Tower is water leaked in at the connection, ice built up on the inside, it expanded and cracked?

 

[thetrailboss]

True, but there are lots of two stage towers out there. The tower on Whistler Blackcomb's Excalibur Gondola failed when it filled with water an froze. Any type of tower can fail if ice is allowed to build up inside.

Excalibur was built by Doppelmayr, not Poma. Are their respective two-stage towers designed differently, Telemechanic? I can't recall what the Doppelmayr ones look like, but I agree that I have seen a lot of Poma two-stage towers.

And glad to have you weigh in on lift technology, Telemechanic. Sorry to keep up with the shop talk though! You guys (Loon, yes?) have all Doppelmayrs, right?

 

[thetrailboss]

Burke has an existing two stage tower near the top of Willoughby. One of the higher chairlifts spots in the east that I can think of along with the Sunnyside Double at MRG as it ascends Gazelle.

That is quite a high run there. I think that there are a few Sherburne pylons that are two stage as well.

In terms of other higher lifts, I think that the North Ridge where it crosses Lower Elbow/Cruiser is pretty high, as are sections of the Slide Brook. But you're right, because of high winds and exposure there aren't too many chairs that run too high up.

 

[Telemechanic]

Generally a second section is added when the tower needs to be taller than average. There may be manufacturing and engineering reasons for maximum tube lengths that I can't explain but I know weight is an issue when installing the tower (helicopters) and shipping longer tubes is more difficult (tractor-trailors).

I couldn't find specific information about where the tower at W/B leaked but the flanges were solid (discs not rings) so its not likely it was at the bolted connection. The tower tubes didn't crack vertically, pictures show a horizontal failure below the lower flange of the bolted connection. Either the weld or the steel failed. The tower sections were repaired not replaced and the lift was closed eight days.

Water in towers wasn't a new problem and we checked annually but after the Excalibur accident the industry increased attention towards water build-up within towers.

I don't know of any major design differences between Doppelmayr's and L-POA's but I'm only familar with Doppelmayr. We have one such tower at Loon: Gondola tower 14.

 

[from_the_NEK]

I finally updated the blog again (with info and pics that are almost two weeks old :roll

 

[Telemechanic]

Burke "talks" of new lift!

On Burke's facebook page someone asked about the new lift and an administrator actually answered:

Dave
Is the new lift done yet?
Wednesday at 12:44pm

Burke Mountain Resort
Hey Dave, still working on it, we'll post more info and pictures soon!
Thursday at 9:21am

Dave
awesome thanks!!
Thursday at 10:57am

http://www.facebook.com/BurkeMtn?sk=wall

 

[Nick]

I missed the paragliding pic earlier, that's pretty sweet. I didn't realize they flew at Burke. I'm itching to get mine out of the basement!