Montana’s Marias Pass, sitting at 5,213 feet, gets hammered with snowfall—about 250 inches a year. The harsh conditions, including freezing temperatures and frequent avalanches, have made this critical rail route to the Pacific Northwest dangerous for railroaders over the past century.
To keep trains moving, BNSF stations snow-fighting equipment in Essex, Montana, using flangers and spreaders to keep the tracks clear. They also rely on a network of snowsheds to shield the most vulnerable sections of the double-track main line in high-risk avalanche zones.
But their most valuable tool is their avalanche forecasting and mitigation program. It all starts with information—BNSF operates five weather stations in the region and works closely with the Flathead Avalanche Center to get real-time data. Beyond that, forecasters and avalanche managers head into the field on skis and snowshoes to conduct snow stability tests in remote areas. By combining field observations with weather station data, BNSF creates avalanche forecasts that help the team assess whether conditions are stable or becoming more dangerous—keeping railroaders safe and the supply chain moving.
