number of visitors delayed the expansion. The ski areas closed to the public, and then Stubblefield was killed in 2005 while skiing Mt. Waterman when it was closed and no ski patrol was present. The ski area was open during the 2000-2001 ski season. The single chair lift was damaged by avalanche during a large storm during February 11–13, 2001, which left approximately 7 feet of snow. In December 2001, a mysterious fire destroyed the chairlift base area and the resort has been closed since. The parent owner of the resort, Angeles Crest Resorts, collected insurance on both events but did not begin reconstruction. The ski area's closure may have been related to the fire or other economic reasons. The permit for Kratka Ridge was revoked and the current owners had to sell it or the resort would be torn down. Another local resort, Mountain High, showed interest in buying the lift structures, probably for its new North Resort. On March 12, 2006, the Pasadena Star reported that Lynn Newcomb and Rick Metcalf, a Southern California businessman, wanted to purchase Mt. Waterman from the existing owners, including Barry Stubblefield's widow. The former manager for Mount Waterman under Lynn Newcomb later reported that Lynn Newcomb and Rick Metcalf purchased the resort and planned to have it open by the 2006-2007 winter season. Reconstruction of the chairlift base area was under way in October 2006. Plans for the area were not certain, however, as many speculated it to be a play area while neighboring Mt. Waterman hosted ski lifts. As of April 2020, the area remains unchanged and abandoned. The single-chair chairlift is still intact yet the base of the station is non-existent. "Keep Out" signs are posted alongside the highway. See also Angeles National Forest San Gabriel Mountains National Monument References External links Kratka Ridge and Mt. Waterman article about the two lost ski areas of Southern California. Kratka Ridge Trail Map 2000-2001 season HPS Summit Signatures - Kratka Ridge Pacific Rim Snow Sports Alliance Defunct ski areas and resorts in California San Gabriel Mountains Sports venues in Los Angeles County, California Defunct companies based in Greater Los Angeles