Series of avalanches engulf Idaho’s Highway 21; ITD captures amazing photo of the scene

An ITD worker (in orange) stands where road should be. An estimated eight avalanches have occurred in the past few days on Highway 21 in Idaho, completely covering a 12-mile portion of the road. (Photo Credit: ITD, via Boise State Public Radio)An ITD worker (in orange) stands where road should be. An estimated eight avalanches have occurred in the past few days on Highway 21 in Idaho, completely covering a 12-mile portion of the road. (Photo Credit: ITD, via Boise State Public Radio)

A series of avalanches has left a portion Idaho’s Highway 21 completely covered in snow, ice and trees, and the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has the picture to show just how much work the agency will have to do in the coming weeks.

About eight avalanches have occurred in the past few days, engulfing a 12-mile portion of the highway, Boise State Public Radio reports.

The road, nicknamed “avalanche alley,” would close every winter until about three decades ago, according to the report. Now it closes when there is a high risk of an avalanche.

The report notes that it will likely take ITD several weeks to clear the road.