3/31/2012
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Section of Idaho 21 reopens as avalanche threat wanes
BOISE COUNTY - The avalanche-prone 12-mile stretch of Idaho 21 between the Grandjean Junction and Banner Summit reopened today (Saturday, March 31) at 10:45 a.m. after being closed since Thursday evening as a safety precaution for avalanche danger, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
This was the eighth closure so far this winter. The road has been closed a total of 21.5 days since Nov. 1, during which 50 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.