Winter may have seemed like a bit of a letdown for many snow sport enthusiasts in the Flathead Valley, with precipitation below normal and warm temperatures fluctuating weekly.
So, for valley residents, it might make sense that the same weather trends would apply to Glacier National Park and, in it, the Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan Pass. Opening the road that connects the park’s east and west boundaries often generates excitement from tourists and locals alike, but officials say even with below-average snowfall, the road won’t open until after June 18.
Standing on Going-to-the-Sun Road last week in a swirl of snowflakes and chilly breezes, U.S. Geological Survey Avalanche Specialist Erich Peitzsch watched as a road crew worked to remove the end result of an avalanche that tumbled 4,000 feet down the Red Rock slide path before covering the road.
“They make quick work of things,” Peitzsch said of the removal crew. “It’s pretty amazing.”
The 30-foot deep snow pile clogged the road about six miles past the Lake McDonald Lodge, near Avalanche Campground. It was most likely the result of a late March storm that deposited 16 to 20 inches of heavy, wet snow on already established snowfall, Peitzsch said.
“Winter’s trying to make a comeback,” he said.
The beginning of April is avalanche season, he noted, and while valley weather may be mild, it’s still winter in elevations above 5,500 feet. Snowfall is at 70 percent of average above this elevation, but below average further down, Peitzsch said.
And as the warmer weather comes in, slides are more likely to affect road-clearing crews with 37 potentially active chutes from east to west, Peitzsch said.
Snow plowing began on April 1 and the edges of the park are open to visitors. According to a park report, roads are open to vehicles 10 miles to Lake McDonald Lodge on the park’s west side and six miles to Rising Sun on the east side. Kintla Road is open to Big Prairie and the road to Two Medicine Valley is open for vehicle traffic up to Running Eagle Falls. Other roads are closed to vehicles because of ice and snow, including Camas Road.
Park Road Supervisor Stan Stahr acknowledged that people will probably be excited to get up the road because of the park’s centennial this year, but the earliest date for the road opening would be June 18. Contractors have until that date to finish major roadwork, Stahr said, so even if clearing crews finish before then the road can’t be opened. There will be deeper hiker and biker access in some areas, he added.
The earliest the road has opened was May 16, during a drought period in 1987, according to park spokesperson Amy Vanderbilt. The latest road opening was July 10 in 1943, when there was no removal process because of World War II. In 2008, the road didn’t fully open until July 2.
Peitzsch said Logan Pass still has a couple meters of snow and people should be mindful of avalanche possibilities when pursuing outdoor activities in the park.