2/11/2014
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Idaho 21 reopened Tuesday afternoon in avalanche area
BOISE COUNTY - The 12-mile stretch of Idaho 21 between the Grandjean Junction and Banner Summit reopened at 4:30 this afternoon (Tuesday, Feb. 11) following several days of closure as an avalanche safety precaution, the Idaho Transportation Department announced. The road closed Friday at 6 p.m.
The location received 26 inches of snow since Friday. During the closure, the area experienced several natural avalanches that tumbled down to the roadway, carrying timber and debris. Crews also used explosives to set off another slide as a safety measure to eliminate a potential danger.
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.