WEST GLACIER – Even though we’ve finally made it out of winter, Glacier National Park officials are asking visitors to still be wary of potentially dangerous avalanche conditions.
Park spokeswoman Lauren Alley notes that late season avalanches can happen at higher elevations like along the Going to the Sun Road — and aren’t uncommon.
She says warm days and cool nights can make that snowpack unstable, leading to slides when disturbed by people.
Going to the Sun Road was partially re-opened last week, but is still not accepting vehicle traffic due to snow clearing efforts
Alley advises that hikers and bikers on Going to the Sun Road should look for fresh snow piles on the road for evidence of a recent avalanche. If you see this, do not cross over the debris as more snow could slide.
The Park suggests using the buddy system and having a plan for getting help.
Finally, if you can not avoid crossing an avalanche chute move across one person at a time while the other acts as a lookout.
