Park plows three miles past Loop

Plowing continues on both sides of Glacier Park this week. On the west side, crews have completed initial plowing of the Sun Road approximately three miles above the Loop. The crews are encountering snow depths from 8 to 20 feet deep. On the east side, initial plowing was completed a half mile below Siyeh Bend and crews are encountering seven to eight feet on the level. HK Contractors, the contractor for the Sun Road rehabilitation, joined park crews in the plowing efforts on the east side.

“Although there is an unusual amount of snow in our mid elevation ranges, the crews are making good progress and opening roads and facilities in the safest manner possible”, Park superintendent Chas Cartwright said. “Recreational activities abound whether you are looking to hike, bike, camp, view wildlife or just take in the beautiful scenery.”

This weekend, there are no planned restrictions for hikers or bikers on the Sun Road, Many Glacier or Two Medicine Roads. 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, the Park warns. During high avalanche danger, park officials do not advise hiker or biker travel on the Sun Road beyond Avalanche Creek and Rising Sun. Stopping in avalanche paths is not recommended.

The road into the Many Glacier Valley opened on Monday, May 16. There are no facilities open in the valley. The Bowman Lake road and the campground (no potable water available) will open Friday morning as well as the Inside North Fork road from Polebridge Ranger Station to Logging Creek (eight miles). The Lake McDonald Lodge will open on Saturday May 21. Glacier Park Boat Company and the Red Buses will begin operating tours on the same day.