2/26/2014
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
"Avalanche Alley" section of Idaho 21 reopens as slide threat wanes
BOISE COUNTY - The 12-mile stretch of Idaho 21 between the Grandjean Junction and Banner Summit reopened this morning (Wednesday, Feb. 26) at 11 a.m. following several days of closure as an avalanche safety precaution, the Idaho Transportation Department
announced. The road closed Monday at noon.
Warming temperatures in the area brought rapid melting and
instability to the existing snowpack, which had gained at
least 29 inches of new snow during the few days before the closure.
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.