2/12/2014
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
UPDATE: "Avalanche Alley" section of Idaho 21 now closed
BOISE COUNTY - The 12-mile stretch of Idaho 21 between the Grandjean Junction and Banner Summit closed this afternoon (Wednesday, Feb. 12) at 1 p.m. as an avalanche safety precaution. The highway was closed from Friday evening to Tuesday afternoon, as several slides tumbled down to the road. Snow overnight and today, mixed with rain in the forecast this evening, has made the area unstable again.
The location received 28 inches of snow since Friday. During the previous closure, the area experienced a total of 34 slides, 21 of which reached the highway. Many carried timber and debris. Crews also used explosives to set off another slide as a safety measure to eliminate potential danger.
The notorious "Avalanche Alley"
section between the Grandjean Junction turnoff and Banner Summit is home
to approximately 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.