Gun Rules Relaxed for National Parks

Sorry for the long absence from this blog. I have several items to comment on, however do not currently have the time. Hopefully after the first of the year time will make itself available?

So for now enjoy and speculate on the title. Oh and also what a difference a few days make. The following photos were taken about two weeks apart.

The one was taken December 15, 2008










This photo was taken today December 29, 2008.









FLATTOP MTN. SNOTEL Data Report - Daily Readings
Basin: Middle Fork Flathead (HUC 17010207) Elevation: 6300.00

As of: Mon Dec 29 08:30:50 PST 2008 there is 52 inches of snow at this snow reporting site. Only how many days until they start plowing the Going to the Sun Road?


That's my two cents worth for today......Have a great day..

High Country Snow....

The following is a quote from the wonderful folks in the Glacier National Park backcountry office:

Above average snowpack, a cold spring, and several severe spring snow storms (Say that three times fast) have left the higher elevations of Glacier under deep snow and are presenting challenges to backcountry travel, especially over the high passes.

Our melt-out is about two to three weeks behind normal so many of our backcountry campgrounds are not opening on time either. Sustained summer heat has finally allowed 24 hour snowmelt and our hope is that this will facilitate more backcountry campground openings in the near future.

Along with this melt-out however, comes high water hazards and possible undercut snowbanks. High angle snow slopes finish out the troika of risks associated with Glacier's current backcountry conditions.

During the next few weeks, backpackers wishing to venture into the high country should be familiar with swift water crossing techniques and well versed in the use of an ice ax and crampons and possess the ability to self-arrest.

There are few offices in the park that I would put a lot of faith and trust in, but the crew at the back country office is one of them. This group of individuals are lead by the charming Brian McKeon. Actually everyone knows that really the office is ran by mother Kim and Grandma Linda, but they like to let Brian think he is in charge. But then that is a story for another day....

Temperatures have been dropping into the 40's most night here in West Glacier and in the high country. Flat top Mountain weather station shows the same trend.

It seems possible for some of the high country snows to still be around when the snows begin again in a couple months. Only time will tell.


Thats my two cents worth for today......Have a great day..

Going to the Sun Road opening 2008 continued.....(GTSR)

The News article from one of the local news sources might lead you to believe that the GTSR will open soon. Sounds like another one of those dreams that keeps coming back and no one can figure out the real story or why. They just keep at it until it feels right,they get it right, or mother nature does her thing. Which ever comes first.....

Bottom line is politics always tries to control the opening of the road. No expense or danger is too much. However no one has figured out who or what is really in control here. They may get the road open like they want, however with all the snow and moisture that we have received, the rocks and dirt will move and take back what is really theirs.

Doesn't this quote from Jim Foster, deputy chief of facilities sound like a typical federal employee?

"The budget is broke," said Foster. "But we're still going to get the road plowed."

and we wonder why our budget and economy is in such sad shape. Management priorities change with the whims and direction of who ever has the floor at the time. Perhaps things will change with the arrival of the new superintendent, however being as it is another end of the road for a career I wouldn't expect too much. Seems like Glacier has been a stepping stone for past and current leaders, either for loftier jobs or retirement. One would think someone would figure it out and change the cycle.

As far as the news article goes, All I can say is if Chris writes the story he is either really anxious to drive over the summit of Logan Pass and go hike and take pictures in one of his many secret places, or some of the powers to be have him snowed under...kind of like hmmmmm...Logan Pass, Highline Trail or most all of the other high country passes.

Actually of all the reporters in the valley Chris is the one I would believe the first!! and if The Hungry Horse News prints it, it has to be true!!!

It could be a very short summer for backcountry hikers, unless we get some serious heat and rain. Who ever believes global warming should try to hike the high country in Glacier right now. Or better yet call the Backcountry desk (406-888-7857) and ask them the status of the high country passes, trails and campsites and see what they say.

Thats my two cents worth for today......Have a great day...

75th Anniversary of the Going-to-the-Sun Road dedication relocated

Due to continued winter conditions at Logan Pass and park crews not able to safely clear the winter snows deposits, Glacier National Park officials have just announced that the June 27 celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Going-to-the-Sun Road has been moved to Lake McDonald Lodge due to winter still hanging on at the pass.

With the arrival of over 2 foot of additional new snow, road crews will not work in higher elevations until conditions have settled and conditions are more stable. This decision is surprising at best, because in the past crews were directed to continue on with their work, with the primarily objective being to "get that road open." Local and political pressures typically dictated that "the road must be opened so the visitors can come and keep the economy running." It is refreshing to see that safety just might be a part of the new regime. I always felt that when "political figures and local powers" were allowed to override the safety of the crews working in the adverse conditions that exist something was wrong with that picture.


The men and women that operate the heavy equipment in those condition deserve all the respect we can give them. If you have never stood in their shoes you should try it some time. They put their lives on the line each and every time they go up there. It takes a special breed to work in that environment. I for one say

"Great job guys and gals"
Thats my two cents worth for today......Have a great day...

Progress on Going to the Sun Road

It is a beautiful day here in paradise.. finally..... the past few day showed us another taste of winter weather with the higher elevations receiving over 2 foot of new snow. The FLATTOP MTN. SNOTEL Data Report site is reporting still having 109 inches of snow on the ground at the 6300 foot level. This of course has moved the plows back down the road to lower elevations until conditions permit safe working conditions. The park had predicted that the road would open tomorrow June 13, 2008, However that is not even close. Only time will tell when that will happen.

There is a new Superintendent arriving in the near future at the park. Only time will tell how he will fit in. Currently and since the departure of Mick Holm into retirement, the deputy supt has been trying to run the park. Luckily it has been the quiet time of the year. Typically in past tenures other supts have been here as a last stop before retirement. Therefore more has been done to achieve their own goals and agendas than actually do something positive for the park.

Road construction is still ongoing again this year and the weather has slowed or stopped some aspects of their job. Paving that supposed to done this spring will most likely not happen because of the late spring weather.
The GTSR