Plowing Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road

In Western Montana, it’s currently one of the most wonderful times of the year. Why? Because the snowplow crews in Glacier National Park are in the midst of plowing the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Each spring, the plow crews make their way up the road–while it is covered in snow–and start to uncover one of the most scenic drives in the country.

Okay, I know you may be thinking, “Tia, how much snow could there possibly be on the road?” My answer: A LOT.

The “Big Drift,” located east of Logan Pass, can reach depths of up to 90 feet. (To put it in perspective, that’s like taking 15, 6 feet tall men and standing them on top of each other). Every year, the plow crew working on the west side of the road and the plow crew working on the east side of the road meet at the Big Drift and together tackle one of their biggest challenges.

Here’s a look at plowing photos from this spring…

And if you thought the only thing that the plow crews have to do is plow the road…think again. After the road is cleared, hundreds of guard rails are installed to make summer road trips on the Going-to-the-Sun Road safer.

To the Glacier National Park plow crews, I’m sure you’ll say “Listen lady, we’re just doing our jobs.” But regardless, this girl would like to give you a hearty THANK YOU for putting in the time and hours needed to open the road and introduce people to one of the most beautiful places in the world.

xo,
TT

PS: If you want to keep up with how many miles of the road are open, you can do so here. To view more plowing photos, visit the Glacier National Park Flickr page.

PPS: Yesterday, it was reported by KAJ that plowing in the park is going so well that the road is expected to open on time, meaning we should be able to cruise the Going-to-the-Sun Road in its entirety on Friday, June 20 (weather dependent).

May 30, 2014

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