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Avalanches bury parts of Sun Road

| June 3, 2011 2:42 PM

Plowing continues on the Going-to-the-Sun Road after significant avalanche activity deposited snow and debris on the road after the Memorial Day weekend storm. 

Over the last week, more than 2 1/2 feet of snow fell in the starting zones of avalanche paths along the Sun Road. In order to access their work site, crews re-plowed the slide paths where they encountered debris piles up to 10 feet deep. Crews have completed initial plowing through Haystack Creek and are continuing towards the Alps, three and a half miles beyond the Loop.

On the east side, crews have completed initial plowing through Siyeh Bend and are continuing to No Stump Point, approximately one mile beyond Siyeh Bend.

On the west side, there will be a hiker/biker restriction at Packer’s Roost, six miles beyond Avalanche Creek on Saturday, June 4 due to construction. There are no planned hiker/biker restrictions on the west side on Sunday, June 5 or on the east side all weekend. 

Avalanche danger persists throughout the park. Avalanches along the Sun Road in the spring can occur during and after snow storms, during and after rain events, and especially during sunny, warm days. During high avalanche danger, park officials do not advise hiker/biker travel on the Sun Road in the avalanche prone areas. Stopping in avalanche paths is not recommended.