Heavy rainfall leads to flooding, closures in Glacier National Park

Much of Glacier National Park is under temporary closures due to flooding after heavy rainfall the last few days. 

On Sunday, park officials issued a preemptive closure along Going-to-the-Sun Road in anticipation of severe weather, following a National Weather Service forecast. Flood warnings are in place until Tuesday afternoon. 

Since the storm hit, the entire Many Glacier Valley, including Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, and the Many Glacier Campground has been closed to the public, with the Park evacuating the hotel and inn.

All trails in the Many Glacier Valley are currently closed until further notice, and commercial operations including boat tours operated by the Glacier Park Boat Company and horseback rides operated by the Swan Mountain Outfitters in Many Glacier have been suspended for the duration of the closure.  

Park officials said they will work closely with the Federal Highway Administration when it is time to reopen the Many Glacier Valley to ensure that access is restored safely.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey stream gauge at Swiftcurrent Creek in Many Glacier, water discharge ramped up from less than 300 cubic feet per second on July 28 to nearly 1,800 cubic feet per second on July 29. 

Closures were also implemented on Monday for the Running Eagle Falls trail, and the Glenns Lake Head Wilderness Campground due to flooding. 

Along the park’s scenic alpine highway, closures are in place from Avalanche on the west side and Rising Sun on the east side, with increased water and debris on the road over the last day. 

There is no hiker/biker access past any road closures, and all closure points should be avoided.

Videos on social media Monday show McDonald Creek on the west side of the park roaring with muddy water nearly reaching the footbridge above McDonald Falls. 

Just before noon on Tuesday, the park closed the footbridge due to a buildup of logs against the bridge and potential hazards from the rising water. 

Heavy rain in steep terrain may lead to possible rockslides, and rapid water rises from small streams, park officials said in a press release.  

Park staff remind visitors that weather conditions can change quickly, and park travelers should always be prepared for inclement weather. Check the park website for the most up to date information. 

Visitors can also sign up for GNP notifications to receive road status updates by texting GNPROADS to 333111.

Around the Flathead Valley, waterways are also high, with the Flathead River near Columbia Falls recording 12.5 feet at noon on Tuesday, according to the NOAA stream gauge. Minor flood stage level is 13 feet.