Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is generally considered one of the most stunning roads in North America, providing stunning views of Northern Montana’s high peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, grizzly bears (if you’re lucky), and much more. With the severe winter weather that hits the state, the road closes yearly for several months. It’s opening tends to mark the start of the new season.
Before the road can open though, a crew of hardcore plow drivers and park staff head out to clear the route of heavy snow, facing a potential for serious avalanche danger along the way. Fortunately the USGS avalanche forecasters are there to help keep them safe through the work.
Over 40 avalanche paths cross the road where crews are plowing, and while there are usually spotters present to warn drivers when there’s a slide above, there’s isn’t always enough time to back out. That’s where the USGS helps, working to evaluate the conditions to forecast when and where avalanches might occur in order to keep the crews safe.
