1/25/2013
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Avalanche threat to close "Avalanche Alley" section of Idaho 21 at 2:30 p.m. today
BOISE COUNTY - The 12-mile stretch of Idaho 21 between the Grandjean Junction and Banner Summit will close this afternoon (Friday, Jan. 25) at 2:30
p.m. as an avalanche safety precaution, the Idaho Transportation Department
announced.
No slides have occurred, but the avalanche risk is increasing and is rated as "considerable" by ITD's avalanche forecasters. There are 52 inches of snow at Banner Summit.
This will be the third closure of this section of road this winter.
During
avalanche season last year, there were eight closures between Nov. 1
and March 31, totaling 21.5 days. A total of 50 slides tumbled down on
the highway during that time.
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 or call 1-888-432-7623. 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.