3/3/2009
Idaho 21 reopened after avalanche threat diminishes
BOISE - The latest avalanche threat on Idaho 21 subsided enough to allow the Idaho Transportation Department to reopen the route between Grandjean Junction and Banner summit at 4:09 p.m. today.
Weather forecasts indicated the possibility of heavy rain in the region of north-central Idaho Monday night and early Tuesday, prompting ITD's avalanche experts to close the highway at 6:30 p.m. Monday.
Lined by more than 50 avalanche chutes, the highway has been closed periodically the past week as a precaution for motorists. The spring cycle of freezing, thawing and occasional rain or snow showers, makes Idaho 21 especially vulnerable to avalanches this time of year, explains ITD Resident Engineer Tom Points.
"The springtime conditions cause the snow to be unstable," he said. "The closures are generally of short duration, but to maintain motorists safety we have to close it occasionally."
ITD crews continue to monitor the avalanche chutes and predict that some additional closures might be necessary.
The latest information about highway conditions and closures is available on ITD's Traveler Services Web site, 511.idaho.gov or by calling 5-1-1 from anywhere in Idaho. Motorists are encouraged to check those sources before making plans to travel on Idaho 21 or other routes where avalanches might occur.
Drivers also are advised to watch for falling rocks and debris on the highway when traveling next to steep slopes.