4/8/2014
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Avalanche Alley section of Idaho 21 closes again for slide threat
BOISE COUNTY - The 12-mile stretch of Idaho 21 between Grandjean Junction and Banner Summit closed at 3:30 p.m. today (Tuesday, April 8) as an avalanche safety precaution. The area is closing as rapid warming and melting is creating instability in the existing snowpack.
This section of highway has experienced 258 inches of snowfall so far this year, and a total of 124 slides have occurred - 48 of which have reached the highway.
The notorious "Avalanche Alley" 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.