GLACIER NATIONAL PARK (AP)
Last week’s flooding in Glacier National Park caused at least $4.7 million in damage, most of it to the Goingto- the-Sun Road, park officials said. The flooding was caused by Pacific Storms that dumped 9.1 inches of rain in a 36-hour period from Nov. 5-7. Cleanup work and repairs are under way, said Glacier Superintendent Mick Holm. “Though the flooding caused extensive localized damage to roads and facilities, we have made an amazing amount of progress in the short time since the flood,” he said Wednesday. “Contract and park crews are currently clearing debris, repairing erosion and restoring culverts.” The worst damage on Going-to-the- Sun Road is a series of washouts in the East Tunnel area. Water running over the roadway led to significant erosion and undercutting in several spots. There were a series of rock and mud slides west of Logan Pass. The heavy rains also washed out a horse bridge that crossed Upper McDonald Creek. The Two Medicine area also flooded, but no damage estimate has been made due to snow. A team of Federal Highway Administration engineering and hydrology experts are assisting park managers to assess park roads, bridges and facilities. The park’s damage assessment did not say when the Sun Road might open next year. Glacier Park Inc., reports only minor damage to the Many Glacier Hotel.
