06/20/2020
Plowing on the Going-to-the-Sun Road continues just east of Logan Pass. This photo from yesterday shows the crews chipping away at the Big Drift. The Big Drift is a large wind-blown deposit of snow that is always one of the largest obstacles encountered by the crews. It is usually 60 to 80 feet deep. Plows chew at it from both sides to open this last section of the road.
At lower elevations in the park things are slowly reopening. Some lodging facilities at Lake McDonald Lodge and Apgar Village have opened for the season. Lobby areas are limited to guests only this year. Food service at Lake McDonald Lodge is available as take-out only and can be obtained from the porch on the lake side of the lodge.
Hiking and biking along the portion of the Going-to-the-Sun Road closed to vehicles is available beyond Avalanche Creek. This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday crews will not be working, so bicyclists are free to travel to Logan Pass.
Plan on arriving early if you are visiting the park this weekend. As parking lots fill up at Avalanche Creek and Lake McDonald Lodge, traffic will be held at the foot of Lake McDonald temporarily.
[image description] Three bulldozers work on clearing a massive snowdrift that is 3 to 4 times the height of the equipment. A large section of unplowed snow can be seen to the right.
