12/28/2011
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Avalanche Alley section of Idaho 21 to close this afternoon as precaution
BOISE COUNTY - The 12-mile stretch of Idaho 21 between the Grandjean Junction and Banner Summit will close today (Wednesday, Dec. 28) at 4 p.m. as an avalanche precaution for travelers' safety, the Idaho Transportation Department announced. The closure will be in effect until further notice.
The snowpack on the ground in the area is weak, and the National Weather Service is forecasting three more inches of precipitation tonight. The notorious "Avalanche Alley" section between the Grandjean Junction turnoff and Banner Summit is home to about 60 avalanche chutes and 90 percent of the avalanches in the state that affect highways.
For the latest highway and weather conditions, call Idaho Traveler Services at 5-1-1. For online updates, visit the website at 511.idaho.gov. Telephone and Web reports are available 24 hours a day and are updated as conditions change.