It's that time again for me to start doing "regular" updates on the conditions at GNP. It is a bit early to be getting to excited, unless you live here, but you should be getting your plans made if you intend to be here this year! Keep in mind that the Sun Road road opens sometime between the end of May and the middle of June. . .

Here's the latest from the NPS and GNP. . .

West Side Flooding Repairs Update
Pedestrian access to North Lake McDonald Road expected to be restored by
March 9, 2007


WEST GLACIER, MONT. – Sandry Construction of Bigfork / Kalispell and its
subcontractor, Crux Subsurface of Spokane, WA, is completing storm damage
repairs to the second of three winter work locations on or near Glacier
National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun (Sun) Road, Park Superintendent Mick Holm
reports.


“Bridge and road damage was sustained during the flooding of Upper McDonald
Creek during the November 7-8, 2006, “Pineapple Express” storm. The access
road and the bridge across Upper McDonald Creek at the head of Lake
McDonald remain closed to all use until the work site is cleared of
potential hazards, which is expected by March 9, 2007. At that time
non-motorized winter access (cross country skiing and snowshoeing) will
resume across the bridge and along the road to Kelly Camp,” said Holm. The
bridge repairs could not begin until all required permits were signed and
received from the State of Montana. Permits were received in mid-February
and work began that day. Work has involved bridge stabilization through the
boring and installation of micro-piles to replace damaged pilings and
restoration of rip-rap at each abutment.


Sun Road repairs are completed at Red Rock Point. Repairs are still being
negotiated at the third location (milepost 19.25 from West Glacier,)
approximately three miles past Avalanche Creek. When work begins at
milepost 19.25, plowing of one lane of the Going-to-the-Sun Road will again
occur. Nevertheless, one lane will remain snow-covered for cross country
skiing and snowshoeing. Sandry Construction works Mondays through Fridays
during daylight hours. For safety reasons, pedestrian access will be
prohibited in the plowed lane during work hours. When work is not
occurring, hikers and bicyclists can travel on the plowed lane. Signs will
indicate when closures are in effect and caution should be exercised.


“The plowing of one lane was necessary to allow access to the Sun Road work
sites and to stock pile materials for the repairs. Skiers and snowshoers
are welcome to utilize the snow-covered lane but are asked to continue to
abide by work zone restrictions,” stated Holm. He added, “West side winter
motorized vehicle access is unaffected by the road work to the west side.
Vehicles can travel 11.5 miles on the Sun Road from West Glacier to Lake
McDonald Lodge.”


- NPS -