Avalanches Make Plowing The Going To The Sun Road Rough

The Going-To-The-Sun-Road In Glacier National Park Is Still Not Open For The Season

As a Montanan, born and raised, one thing really says summer and tourist season above all others, and that's the opening of the Going-To-The-Sun-Road in Glacier National Park.

As of writing of this article, June 3, 2024, the road is still not fully opened for the season.

Plowing Is Going Along Nicely, Except For Avalanches

As reported by KPAX, the road is being plowed, but, according to physical scientist and forecaster Zachary Miller, the higher they plow on the road, the more they run into a more average snowpack, and it takes some time to plow through it.

Another issue is avalanches. The area has had around 74 avalanches this season, pretty close to average. According to Glacier National Park Road Supervisor Brian Paul, last year, 2023, avalanches were done by mid May. This year, 2024, has had a majority of the avalanches happening the last couple of weeks in May and into June where an avalanche has hit, and they have to plow themselves out of a place they were just plowing earlier in the day.

When Is The Road Expected To Open For The Season

Due to snow falling at the top of the road and the avalanche problems, there's really no way to put a date on the road opening as of yet.

Hikers and bikers have access to lower sections of the road, but are urged to recreate with caution. According to KPAX, Zachary Miller suggests that while the road is still snow packed and the conditions are so unpredictable, that bikers and hikers should look for moving snow and be aware of rapidly changing weather conditions if you plan on going beyond the loop.

Check out this short video of the road being plowed: