2/12/2008
Two new avalanches complicate U.S. 12 reopening
LEWISTON - The discovery today of two new large avalanches likely will extend the closure of U.S. 12 between Lowell and Lolo Pass through the remainder of this week, announces the Idaho Transportation Department.
The avalanches were found as crews returned to an area that had been restricted because of hazardous conditions and the threat of major new snowfall. The snowstorm forecast for Saturday through Monday (Feb. 2-4) was less severe than expected, enabling crews to return to the western edge of avalanche zone. Four avalanches occurred in the area Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, forcing ITD to close the highway.
Crews began working on the eastern side of the zone today under the direction of an avalanche control expert. They began a helicopter reconnaissance of the area today and were prepared to drop explosive charges to release additional snow if necessary, said Doral Hoff, ITD's District 2 Maintenance Engineer.
The discovery of two new avalanches is an unexpected setback to ITD's efforts to clear the highway and restore travel between Lewiston and Missoula, Mont., for the first time since Jan. 31.
"We found two very large avalanches at mileposts 132 and 133," Hoff said. "Unfortunately, clearing those avalanches will delay our efforts to reopen the highway. The closure is longer than we had hoped for, and we're running into more than we expected.
"If conditions work in our favor, we could have the highway open late this weekend, but we're at the mercy of the weather, and it has been somewhat unpredictable the past few weeks."
Avalanche experts warned against entering the most vulnerable area between mileposts 127 and 137 based on forecasts of heavy snow last weekend. When ITD crews returned today they found an avalanche about 20 feet high covering a 50-foot section of the highway at milepost 133.
A second avalanche of about 30 feet deep covers 80 feet of U.S. 12 at milepost 132, extending past the highway and into the Lochsa River. Under ideal conditions, Hoff said, both avalanches could be cleared in one or two days.
Until then, motorists must use Interstate 90 in northern Idaho or take I-15 to Idaho Falls and travel I-86 and I-84 across southern Idaho. The Lochsa Lodge, located about 12 miles west of Lolo Pass, remains accessible from the east for passenger vehicles only.
For the most current information about highway and weather conditions, visit the 511 Traveler Services Web site at 511.idaho.gov or call 5-1-1 from within Idaho. Calls placed from areas near state lines or from outside Idaho can be made toll-free to (888) 432-7623.