2/21/2012
Contact:
Reed Hollinshead
Public Information Specialist
(208) 334-8881
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Section of Idaho 21 to close this afternoon as avalanche conditions worsen
BOISE COUNTY - The 12-mile stretch of Idaho 21 between the Grandjean Junction and Banner Summit will close today (Tuesday, Feb. 21) at 4 p.m. as an avalanche safety precaution, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
No slides have occurred yet, but rising snow levels and increasing winds from the west are forecast.
This
will be the fourth closure of this section of road this winter. In all,
46 slides have come down onto the highway since the first of November.
The notorious
"Avalanche Alley" section between the Grandjean Junction turnoff and
Banner Summit is home to about 60 avalanche chutes and 90 percent of the
avalanches in the state that affect highways.
For the latest
highway and weather conditions, call Idaho Traveler Services at 5-1-1.
For online updates, visit the website at 511.idaho.gov. Telephone and
Web reports are available 24 hours a day and are updated as conditions
change.
Questions? Visit us online at itd.idaho.gov, follow ITD on Twitter (@IdahoITD) or Facebook and check travel conditions at 511.idaho.gov or dial 5-1-1. Please slow down in highway construction zones and pay attention. Safety for drivers and workers is our highest priority.