3/30/2009
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Idaho 21 closes again due to avalanche danger
BOISE -- Highway 21 from Grandjean Junction to Banner Summit (milepost 93.75 to 105.5) closed around 12:30 today (Monday, March 30) due to avalanche danger. The Idaho Transportation Department's avalanche team closed the popular recreation route due to unstable snow pack and the threat of snow slides onto the roadway.
ITD formed an avalanche team in 2002 to find ways to forecast the frequent snow slide and avalanche problem in the avalanche-prone Canyon Creek area. The team actively monitors the corridor and takes proactive steps such as bringing down unstable snow pack before it falls on its own-- a situation that can trap motorists in hard-to-reach areas and can be extremely dangerous.
ITD recommends that valley motorists traveling in that area take I-84 to Mountain Home, go northeast on U.S. 20 to Junction 75, then north through Sun Valley into Stanley. The detour will add 50-60 minutes of travel time. Drive safely and check 511 by phone or by logging on to 511.idaho.gov for the latest road conditions.