2/21/2012
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Section of Idaho 21 to close this afternoon as avalanche conditions worsen
BOISE COUNTY - The 12-mile stretch of Idaho 21 between the Grandjean Junction and Banner Summit will close today (Tuesday, Feb. 21) at 4 p.m. as an avalanche safety precaution, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
No slides have occurred yet, but rising snow levels and increasing winds from the west are forecast.
This
will be the fourth closure of this section of road this winter. In all,
46 slides have come down onto the highway since the first of November.
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.