1/5/2009
December snowstorms a headache for drivers and a concern for ITD Snow Avalanche Technicians
BOISE - December's heavy snowstorms and warmer weather did more than just aggravate drivers maneuvering through stubborn ice and slush on southwest Idaho roads - it also caused a contagion of small- and medium-sized avalanches along slide-prone roadways.
This past month, Idaho Transportation Department crews plowed 10-15 inches of snow in the valley and 20-25 inches of snow at Horseshoe Bend Summit on Idaho 55. In addition, ITD Snow Avalanche Technicians monitored mountainous snowpack regions in a stepped-up effort to close roads before the snow slides.
"This has been an unusual start to the season," said ITD Regional Engineer Tom Points, who warns that there may be more road closures on Idaho 21 this week in Canyon Creek as a new warming trend follows the latest round of storms. "We're taking snow measurements daily, looking for weak layers and determining the moisture content in the snow."
Idaho 21 was closed twice in late December just prior to avalanches. Hours after the highway was closed on December 28, thirteen avalanches were recorded, with the largest one measuring nine feet deep. The eleven-mile stretch of Idaho 21 known as Canyon Creek is routinely shut down roughly 60 days a year.
However, last year's addition of hand-placed explosives and an avalauncher to launch explosives into avalanche chutes cut the days of closing the canyon in half. ITD has ordered two more avalaunchers, which will be seasonably placed during the winter in strategic areas allowing the avalanche team to ski to them and launch explosives with the intent of heading off an impending slide.
"Our number one concern is for the safety of motorists," Points said. "We have three weather stations that help us track air temperature, humidity, and wind. We also have crews on the scene around the clock to ensure that we are on top of the situation."
Idaho 75 near Galena Summit between Sun Valley and Stanley, and Idaho 12 between Lewiston and Missoula, Montana are other avalanche-prone areas that ITD actively monitors. All avalanche-mitigation training for the state, including for cities and towns, is provided in District 3.
ITD encourages drivers to check 511 before heading out during the winter season. Road information can also be obtained via the Internet at: www.511.idaho.gov. Remember to slow down and buckle up for safety!