Park roads reopened after snow

The Daily Inter Lake

After a week of snowstorms and drifting that caused the temporary closure of all east-side roads in Glacier National Park, those roads were quickly reopened.

Between April 23 and April 29, 4 feet of snow fell at St. Mary, prompting the road closures.

Snow stopped falling at St. Mary on Wednesday, and by Thursday, Going-to-the-Sun Road was reopened for vehicle access as far as Rising Sun, a distance of six miles.

West of the Continental Divide, snow fell in the mountains above 3,500 feet, but no new snow accumulated on low-elevation park roads.

This morning, the west side of Sun Road will open for vehicle access as far as Avalanche Creek, 16 miles from West Glacier. Vehicles previously could travel only about 10 miles from West Glacier, up to Lake McDonald Lodge.

Parking will be limited to the Avalanche Campground for day use only because reconstruction work continues in the Avalanche area.

Hikers and bicyclists will be permitted through the construction zone to access the Sun Road above Avalanche Creek. Weather permitting, paving in the Avalanche area was expected to be finished by today.

With recent snowfall and predicted warming weather, park visitors should be alert for spring avalanche activity in the upper-elevation portions of Sun Road where travel is not advised until conditions stabilize.

In addition to portions of Sun Road, the Inside North Fork Road is open for vehicle access between Polebridge and Big Prairie. All other park roads remain closed to vehicles due to snow.

The Apgar Visitor Center is now open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Visitors can also stop at park headquarters in West Glacier for information.