Sections of the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park are temporarily closed due to a winter storm that is causing hazardous driving conditions, the National Park Service announced Tuesday afternoon.
The Sun Road is closed from Big Bend on the west side to Jackson Glacier Overlook on the east side.
Visitors can drive the Sun Road approximately 28 miles from the West Entrance to Big Bend and 13.5 miles from the St. Mary Entrance to Jackson Glacier Overlook on the east side of the park.
The higher elevations of Glacier National Park are experiencing winter weather conditions, including wind, snow, ice, and limited visibility, park officials said. Logan Pass is anticipated to received up to 8 inches of snow and Marias Pass could receive 4.6 inches, according to the National Weather Service. The conditions are anticipated to continue through Wednesday at the higher elevations.
The National Weather Service sent out an advisory Tuesday about a snow storm blowing across the Flathead Valley into Glacier Park this week. The front will cause gusty northeasterly winds, especially through Bad Rock Canyon.
Flathead Lake is also anticipated to get choppy once again on Wednesday.
This system will have a moister air mass to lift along the Continental Divide, with the passes receiving at least a couple of inches of new snow by Thursday morning. Snow accumulation will primarily be above 5000 feet, but Flathead valley down through the Bitterroot valley could see a few snowflakes mixed in with the rain. A very cold air mass will be over the region and by Thursday night and Friday morning and many locations will reach the freezing mark.
Kalispell, Missoula and Butte could reach record lows on Friday morning, according to the NWS.
Park officials say the Sun Road will remain closed between Big Bend and Jackson Glacier Overlook until conditions improve.