Flooding Forces Evacuations, Closes Key CDT Segments in Glacier National Park

The Continental Divide Trail Coalition is urging hikers to avoid Glacier National Park’s Many Glacier Valley after flooding forced the National Park Service to close the entire area and evacuate visitors on June 29.

The closure includes the Many Glacier Hotel, Swiftcurrent Motor Inn, Many Glacier Campground, and multiple trail segments used by Continental Divide Trail hikers. Southbound CDT thru-hikers beginning their journeys in Glacier, along with section hikers in the park, should not enter the closure area and should be prepared to adjust their itineraries.

As of June 29, the following CDT-related trail segments are closed according to the Continental Divide Trail Coalition:

• Swiftcurrent Pass Trail from the Campstore parking lot to Swiftcurrent Pass (approximately CDT miles 3006.5 – 3012.5)
• Piegan Pass Trail from Many Glacier Hotel to the Featherplume Falls junction (approximately CDT miles 3001 – 3003.5)
• Saddle Horse Corral Trail from approximately CDT mile 3003.5 to mile 1 of the East Chief Mountain route
• Swiftcurrent Lake Loop Trail around Swiftcurrent Lake (approximately CDT miles 3003.5 – 3004)

According to Glacier National Park, heavy rainfall over the weekend caused widespread flooding throughout the Many Glacier area, prompting evacuations of campgrounds and lodging on Monday. Many Glacier Road also closed due to flooding near Sherburne Dam, while weather-related closures continue to affect the alpine section of Going-to-the-Sun Road.

The National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch for the area, while the CDTC warned of continued heavy rain, high-elevation snow, swift and cold creek crossings, and an elevated risk of hypothermia.

The CDTC advises hikers already in the area to follow all directions from park staff and leave the valley immediately. Those planning to begin or continue a southbound CDT hike through Glacier should monitor the park’s trail status and current conditions pages before traveling and be prepared for changing conditions.

Featured image: Tony Webster via Wikimedia Commons