The Geography of Rockfall Hazards in Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park, Montana, has a long history of falling rock and rockfall accidents. The recent history of rockfall activities and accidents in the Park is documented here. Rockfalls are frequent in spring and autumn months, when temperatures fluctuate across the freezing point. Summer rockfall activity is primarily associated with heavy rainfall. Hazardous rockfalls may occur on any slope aspect, especially in areas where stratigraphic dip parallels the slope. Numerous accidents from falling rock have occurred, but are spatially concentrated in two major and two minor highway zones, as well as i., the backcountry. Visitors to the Park are effectively unaware of the extent and distribution of the hazard. More effective warning signs and informational pamphlets would assist in educating visitors to the Park.