Close Call: Snowy Glacier Park Road Reopens For Labor Day Weekend

With a summit of over 6,600 feet, Mother Nature isn't too concerned about travelers' comfort, even on a busy holiday weekend.

Labor Day weekend is viewed by many as the unofficial end of summer. And thousands of people in Montana try to pack as much outdoor recreation merriment into it as they can. And while the announcement made late this week was a relief to travelers and those in the tourism industry alike, was a relief, that doesn't mean that caution isn't advised.

Glacier National Park officials announced Thursday that Going-to-the-Sun Road is once again reopen, after a brief but nasty bite of winter. The road closed Wednesday afternoon due to "dangerous road conditions caused by snow and ice." The closure occurred mid-afternoon between Avalanche Creek and Jackson Glacier Overlook.

The National Weather Service had issued a forecast for Wednesday for snow expected at higher elevations of Glacier Park, such as the alpine sections of Going-to-the-Sun Road and Logan Pass. Snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches were predicted.

But in this case, if you don't like the weather in Glacier Park, wait, oh, maybe 20 hours, and it will change. Crews announced Thursday morning that the Going-to-the-Sun-Road is once again fully open to traffic.

So, if the park is in your Labor Day weekend travel plans, stay alert and ready. But as of now, the forecast is for partly-to-mostly sunny conditions with almost no chance of moisture and highs in the 80s Saturday, Sunday and Monday, somewhat cooler in the higher elevations. .

You can get the park's latest road conditions here.