Crews still plowing Going-to-the-Sun Road
This photo shows the Logan Pass Vistor’s Center in Glacier National Park on Saturday June 4. In spite of this year’s heavy winter, approximately 80 miles of road have been cleared in the park, including 29 miles of Going-to-the-Sun Road. “The park is open, and there are wonderful opportunites for people at this time of year,” said David Restivo. According to Restivo, some of the best trails are open and accessible, and people may hike and bike beyond the vehicle closures.
After a midweek storm deposited new snow at high elevations in Glacier National Park, plowing crews are continuing their quest to open Going-to-the-Sun Road.
On the west side of Logan Pass, initial plowing has been completed to the Big Bend, five miles beyond the Loop. Crews are encountering drifts between 10 and 20 feet, park officials reported.
On the east side, crews are plowing the No Stump Point area, about one mile beyond Siyeh Bend. There is no date set for when the upper section of Sun Road will be cleared for cross-park travel.
On the west side, a hiker-biker restriction is in effect today at Packer’s Roost, six miles beyond Avalanche Creek, due to construction, but there will be no restrictions on Sunday. On the east side, hikers and bikers can travel beyond the gate at Jackson Glacier Overlook all weekend.
Meanwhile, park officials on Friday announced the opening of more services and roads for the summer season.
Currently, there are more than 90 miles of road open that access most areas of the park, and more services opening every week. The road into Cut Bank Creek opened on Thursday, and the campground there is scheduled to open June 17.
Avalanche Campground and Rising Sun Motor Inn opened Friday. St. Mary boat tours also began operations Friday.
With an unusually heavy snowpack, park officials are striving to set reasonable and safe goals for openings and have announced a few delays.
Sperry Chalet will delay opening from July 8 to July 15, due to significant, lingering snowpack. Two Medicine boat trips will delay opening until conditions warrant. Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and Cut Bank campgrounds will open June 17 at the earliest. These dates are based on current conditions and may be adjusted as conditions warrant.
Avalanche danger persists throughout the park, officials warned. Avalanches along the Sun Road in the spring can occur during and after snowstorms, during and after rain events, and are especially likely on sunny, warm days. During high avalanche danger, park officials do not advise hiker-biker travel on the Sun Road in the avalanche-prone areas. Stopping in avalanche paths is not recommended.
Officials anticipate higher water levels in creeks, streams and rivers throughout the park for a longer duration than usual, with some reaching flood stage. Placement of some backcountry suspension bridges has been delayed due to high water. Visitors are reminded to use caution around water, be aware of their surroundings and to know the weather forecast.