3/14/2012
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Avalanche-prone section of Highway 21 to close for sixth time so far this winter
BOISE COUNTY - The avalanche-prone 12-mile stretch of Idaho 21 between the Grandjean Junction and Banner Summit closes today (Wednesday, March 14)at 9 a.m. as a safety precaution for travelers, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The area has received 29 inches of snow since Monday, and rain is forecast for the next few days, creating instability and a high avalanche probability.
This will be the sixth closure so far this winter. The road has been closed a total of 16 days since Nov. 1, during which 48 slides have tumbled down 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.