More rain, snow create Park hazards

Glacier Park plow crews had a tough time making progress last week as yet more snow fell in the high country.

This Saturday, June 3, crews from HK Construction will be working on the west side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Hiker and biker access will be restricted to just 3.5 miles beyond the gate at Avalanche Creek. There will be no restrictions on Sunday or later in the evenings.

Significant rain and more snow fell in the high country last week. Crews did not plow late last week because of poor visibility and avalanche danger on the west side. On the east side, heavy rain and flood conditions hampered work.

Park crews have completed initial plowing to Haystack Creek on the west side and plowed to Siyeh Bend on the east side. Motorists can drive on the Sun Road to Avalanche Creek on the west side and to the Jackson Glacier Overlook on the east side.

The Camas, Two Medicine, Chief Mountain and Many Glacier roads are all open. The Inside North Fork Road is now open to Bowman and Kintla lakes and south from Polebridge to Logging Creek. The road to Kintla Lake, however, is very rough, and only four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended because of flooding on the road.

In addition, snow has melted out on many low elevation trails on the west side, but visitors should expect several feet of snow at higher elevations. Snow can still be found at the valley floor on the east side, where the elevation is about 5,000 feet. Snowshoes or skis are needed in higher terrain.

Visitors should expect high water at stream crossings. Many streams without bridges are impassable, and avalanche danger in the high country has been rated "considerable." Officials warn people that drowning is the No. 1 cause of death in Glacier Park.