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Spring Snow Delays Plow Efforts in Glacier

By Beacon Staff

Fresh snow could delay the opening of the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. The National Park Service reported more than 16 inches of snow has fallen in recent days, triggering new avalanches ranging from 8 to 15 feet deep on both sides of Logan Pass.

Some of the avalanches have buried previously cleared sections of road and, with more snow expected this week, it is unlikely the park will meet its mid-June opening date for the iconic road. However, crews are working overtime in hopes of opening the road soon.

Although snow has slowed their work, west side plow crews did arrive at the Logan Pass parking lot last week, but found 6- to 8-foot drifts and building eves covered in snow. West side crews were also stuck for a little while when two slides, one at Triple Arches and another at Slopes, fell in behind crews forcing them to plow their way home. On the east side, crews have encountered snowdrifts 25- to 30-feet deep in some places.

The new slides have also brought rocks and tress onto the road and that debris will have to be removed before construction crews can move back in to work on road-widening projects. Road crews also have to install guardrails and clear snow around the Logan Pass Visitor Center, some of which will have to be removed by hand.

Currently, 29 miles of the road are open to vehicle traffic; 15.5 miles from the West Entrance to Avalanche and 13.5 miles from the St. Mary Entrance to Jackson Glacier Overlook. Parts of the road are also open to hikers and bikers, but people should check the park’s website to see what sections of road may be closed due to roadwork.