Avalanche blasting in park still prohibited

By JIM MANN/The Daily Inter Lake

The National Park Service has issued a final decision denying BNSF Railway permission to use explosives for avalanche control on Glacier National Park's southern boundary except under extreme, emergency circumstances.

The decision signed by Mike Snyder, the service's Intermountain regional director, does, however, allow the railroad to monitor the potential for avalanches on the steep slopes above railroad tracks in the Middle Fork Flathead River corridor.

The railroad had requested permission to use light artillery to reduce the threat of avalanches to railroad traffic.

"The decision was based on the park's special status as an internationally recognized natural area, the unique wildlife and other natural resources in the area and NPS values," Glacier Superintendent Chas Cartwright explained in a press release.

"The area of the park that was the subject of this [environmental impact statement] has federally listed threatened and endangered species present, is within the park's recommended wilderness, provides winter recreation for park visitors and is important winter range for deer, elk and other ungulate species," Cartwright added.

He said the potential impacts of explosives were determined to be unacceptable.

The news release explains the exception: "Explosive use will not be permitted except under extenuating emergency circumstances in the event that human lives or resources are at risk and after all other options have been exercised by the railroad, including delays."

The decision permits BNSF Railway to install a weather station and snow-depth sensor on park lands and for the railroad to conduct non-explosive snow stability testing. If the railroad wishes to install avalanche detection devices within the park, this also will be permitted after review and approval.

Glacier National Park officials continue to recommend that BNSF construct additional snow sheds and add on to existing ones in high-risk avalanche paths, the release states.

Park managers soon will begin meeting with BNSF Railway representatives to discuss a special use permit allowing avalanche forecasting and non-explosive stability testing in the park this winter.

Reporter Jim Mann may be reached at 758-4407 or by e-mail at jmann@dailyinterlake.com