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Going-to-the-Sun Road could open next week
June 11, 2012
Editor@montanaliving.com
WEST GLACIER, MONT. – Access to Logan Pass via the Going-to-the-Sun Road in
Glacier National Park is anticipated to be available to the public by the
middle of next week. A weekend storm dumped another 10 inches of snow
prompting additional snow slides on the road. Since Memorial Day Weekend,
a minimum of 35 inches of snow has fallen at the higher elevations of the
road.
Glacier National Park Deputy Superintendent Kym Hall said, “Our goal has
been to open access to Logan Pass by mid-June and we believe we can
accomplish that by the middle of next week, weather dependent.” Hall said,
“The weather has been challenging the past couple of weeks, but the plowing
crew has put in extra time and done an exceptional job to provide mid-June
access.”
Work continues as crews plow the Big Drift, a 25-30 feet drift located
about a fourth of a mile east of the Logan Pass Visitor Center. After
plowing through the Big Drift, crews anticipate they will encounter
approximately 10-12 inches of ice. Crews are also removing snow and debris
from recent snow slide activity, clearing snow along the road edges for
two-lane travel, and plowing the parking lot at the visitor center. Many
areas had to be plowed again after the weekend snowfall. Park trail and
campground crews are assisting with the hand shoveling around the visitor
center, restroom facility, and walkways at Logan Pass.
Hall said, “In addition to all the snow removal, crews have to install
hundreds of guard rails along the road.” She said installation of the
removable guard rails is time consuming, but necessary. The rails are
removed each fall due to avalanche activity that can destroy them during
the winter.
Currently, 29 miles of the Going-to-the-Sun Road are open to vehicle
travel. Visitors can drive 15.5 miles from the West Entrance to Avalanche
on the west side, and 13.5 miles from the St. Mary Entrance to Jackson
Glacier Overlook on the east side.
It is anticipated that weekend hiker/biker access will be limited to Bird
Woman Falls Overlook on the west side and Siyeh Bend on the east side.
Hiker/biker access may change day to day dependent on snow removal and road
rehabilitation work. Visitors are encouraged to check the park website at
http://home.nps.gov/applications/glac/roadstatus/roadstatus.cfm. Hikers and
bikers should always be on alert for construction hazards and avalanche
danger.
406-888-7800 for current road and weather conditions.
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