1/14/2008
Mollie McCarty
ITD Chief External Affairs Officer
208-334-8804
mollie.mccarty@itd.idaho.gov
Idaho 21 reopened after avalanche cleanup
BOISE - Idaho 21 between the Grandjean junction and Banner summit reopened shortly after 4 p.m. today following avalanche removal, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The highway closed Thursday evening as a storm system left significant new snow accumulation in the area, creating avalanche hazard. Several slides covered the roadway over the weekend. Colder temperatures helped stablize snow in the avalanche area today, and crews were able to safely remove snow from the roadway.
Idaho 21 is a regional route between Stanley and the Treasure Valley. The 9-mile section of the highway between the Banner summit and the Grandjean junction, called Canyon Creek, has numerous avalanche chutes. Idaho 21 between the Banner summit and the Grandjean junction experiences about 90 percent of the avalanches in the state.
The transportation department encourages drivers to take extra precautions when traveling on Idaho highways during the winter months.
Plan ahead. Before leaving, dial 5-1-1 or visit 511.idaho.gov on the Internet for updates on winter road and weather conditions, emergency closures and access to tourist information.