1/26/2012
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Avalanche-prone section of Idaho 21 reopens
BOISE COUNTY - The 12-mile stretch of Idaho 21 between the Grandjean Junction and Banner Summit reopened today (Thursday, Jan. 26) at 5 p.m. after being closed since the afternoon of Jan. 18 as a precaution for traveler's safety, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
This marked the second closure of this section of road this winter. The recent closure was a precaution as heavy snowfall, strong winds and snowpack instability made the area susceptible to slides. Numerous avalanches did, in fact, fall on the highway.
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.