Sperry Chalet damaged by avalanche

An avalanche has damaged Glacier National Park’s Sperry Chalet, according to Park spokeswoman Ellen Blickhan.

Blickhan confirmed the structure was damaged, but as of Friday, Park officials had yet to inspect the chalet, which is still under significant amounts of snow. A visitor reported the avalanche damaged the south end of the hotel, she said.

“We know there is damage,” Blickhan said. “We’re not sure how much.”

Sperry Chalet is perched just below Lincoln, Gunsight and Edwards mountains. The chalet sees hundreds of inches of snow each year.

Blickhan said the Park won’t send any personnel to check out the chalet until the avalanche danger subsides. It’s not known when the avalanche hit the chalet.

The chalet was built in 1913 and is accessible by trail about 6.7 miles and 3,300 feet up from Lake McDonald Lodge. It’s operated under contract with the National Park Service by Belton Chalets Inc.