Outdoors | Largest North American gondola to open at Whistler

The long-awaited Peak-2-Peak Gondola at Whistler-Blackcomb Resort in British Columbia is scheduled to open Dec. 12.

The longest gondola system in North America is part of a massive expansion the resort is undergoing in preparation for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

"This spring we had to move massive amounts of snow, so it was a slow start, but we have been able to stay on track with each construction phase," said Rick Temple, the gondola construction manager. "To be at this point in construction at this time is unheard of."

The gondola is the longest unsupported span for a lift of this kind in the world. The total free span between the two towers is 1.88 miles.

The lift covers 2.73 miles between Whistler and Blackcomb mountain peaks.

Each gondola cabin can hold 28 people and can transport 2,050 people per hour each way (4,100 total). It takes about 11 minutes to cross each peak, and one cabin departs every 49 seconds.

The system will have 28 cabins, including two that will feature glass floors for a bird's-eye view of Fitzsimmon's Valley 1,427 feet below.

In October and November the construction crews will conduct load testing as well as evacuation training and simulations, and operator training.

The gondola system will also be examined by the British Columbia Safety Authority through their Passenger Ropeways Safety Program, which regulates the safety of lifts. Details: www.whistlerblackcomb.com.

Word on Lake Washington coho

The coho return continues to exceed preseason expectations as it nears its peak.

Through Sept. 16, 12,746 coho had been counted at the Ballard Locks fish ladder with a run-size estimate of 50,341.

The preseason forecast called for 17,725 coho to return to the huge urban watershed. The historical peak for coho in the lake is Sept. 18-23.

"The coho run continues to be strong, and I was recently down at the locks and there are some nice-sized fish coming back," said Bill Robinson, a member of the Cedar River Anadromous Fisheries Committee.

Coho fishing is open north of the Evergreen Point floating bridge, and anglers were scoring fair catches around Hunts Point and Champaign Point. Troll with downriggers using Wiggle Warts, Fatfish Plugs or Coho Killer Spoons. Also try jigging with a Hopkins jig or Buzz Bombs.

Lower Columbia reopens for chinook

Fishing below Bonneville Dam has reopened for chinook after fisheries managers upgraded the returning upriver bright chinook stock.

Anglers will be allowed to fish from the lower end of Bachelor Island (near the Lewis River mouth) up to Bonneville Dam.

"We're pleased that this run is coming in so much stronger than expected," said Cindy LeFleur, a state Fish and Wildlife salmon manager.

LeFleur pointed out that the lower boundary for the fishery has been moved above the Lewis River mouth to protect a poor chinook run there.

The upriver chinook run is now expected to be 212,500, rather than the early forecast of 164,400.

The strong returns and new catch rates may allow a chinook fishery to open in the Lower Snake River in coming weeks.

"If that occurs, it would be the first fall chinook opening we've had there in several decades," LeFleur said.

Notes

• The Edmonds Laebugten Salmon Chapter of Trout Unlimited meeting is 7 p.m. Wednesday at the South County Senior Center, 220 Railroad Ave. in Edmonds. Randy Doucet from Three Rivers Marine and Northwest Fishing Charters will discuss coho and blackmouth fishing. The public is welcome to attend. Details: www.geocities.com/edmonds_laebugten/.

• The Northwest Knife Collectors Show is Oct. 4-5 at the Best Western Tacoma Dome Hotel, 2611 E. E St. Cost is $5. Hours: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Details: 253-473-6967 or www.nwkc.org.

• The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce hosts a free cultural festival Friday and Saturday at Lake Chelan State Park. The event features music, dance, campfire sing along and storytelling. Details: 360-332-8221.

• The Washington Trails Association seeks volunteers to help Saturday during the Pitch in on National Public Lands Day. Locally, help is needed at Heather Meadows in Mount Baker Ranger District, Bare Mountain Trail in Snoqualmie Ranger District, South Fork Skokomish in Hood Canal Ranger District and Glacier Basin Trail in Mount Rainier National Park. Details: 206-625-1367 or www.wta.org.

• State Fish and Wildlife is hosting a public meeting 6 p.m. Thursday at the state Fish and Wildlife's Mill Creek Office, 16018 Mill Creek Blvd., to discuss rule proposals for the 2009-10 sportfishing season.

Proposals can be obtained at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/regs/rule_proposals/index.htm. For printed copies, call 360-902-2700.

Written comments will be accepted until Nov. 6. Mail to: WDFW Rules Coordinator, Lori Preuss at preuslmp@dfw.wa.gov or 600 Capitol Way N., Olympia, WA 98501.

• The Seattle Rifle and Pistol Association hunter sight-in is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, Sept. 27-28, Oct. 4-5 and Oct. 11-12 at 725 135th Ave. S. in Snohomish. Cost is $5. Details: 360-659-9362.

• The Northwest Trek Wildlife Art Show is Sept. 27-28. The show is organized by Karen Lucas of Lucas Art, The Gallery on the Hill in Graham. The juried art show will feature 15 artists' exhibits, lectures and demonstrations, and a silent auction to benefit Northwest Trek in Eatonville. Details: 360-832-6117 or visit www.nwtrek.org.

• The Tri-Cities Salmon Derby is Oct. 4-5 on the Columbia and Yakima rivers. Largest fish caught wins $1,000. Cost is $25, and $10 for kids 12-and-under. Details: 509-554-9202 or www.kc3307.org/derby.htm.

Mark Yuasa: 206-464-8780 or myuasa@seattletimes.com