By Associated Press - Thursday, March 6, 2014

KALISPELL, Mont. (AP) - For the second time in a week, BNSF Railway’s main line across northwestern Montana is closed after several avalanches came down on the tracks between Essex and Marias Pass.

BNSF spokesman Matt Jones said Thursday it has ended all rail traffic in the area due to the threat of continued slides in the area south of Glacier National Park. The railroad is asking park officials for permission to use a compressed-air cannon to trigger slides and reduce future threats.

Jones says it’s unclear how long the rail line will be blocked.

Beginning late Sunday, the tracks were closed for about 12 hours while a slide covered the tracks with nearly 7 feet of snow and debris.

Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari says the railroad continues to bus passengers between stations in Shelby and Whitefish.

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