Going-to-the-Sun Road Avalanche Forecasting Program

Going to the Sun Road: one of the most scenic drives in the United States. It winds through the high peaks of northern Montana, past glaciers and mountains, waterfalls and grizzly bears. First constructed in the 1920s, when access to the park was limited to pack mules and horses, the road now allows millions of visitors a year to experience the natural wonder and breathtaking views of Glacier National Park. Yet getting the road ready for visitors is an enormous, and dangerous, undertaking in this avalanche-prone area. 

USGS partners with Glacier National Park, the U.S. Forest Service, and others to provide accurate avalanche forecasting in the park and elsewhere. The science this partnership generates benefits more than just the Going to the Sun Road and Glacier National Park. USGS scientists have advanced avalanche forecasting, deepened our understanding of wet snow avalanches, and explored historic links between climate and avalanche frequency. This has improved avalanche safety across the Intermountain West and Alaska, protecting everything from roads and railroads to skiers and snowmobilers.