Avalanche danger has forced the Idaho Transportation Department to close a 13 mile section of U.S. Highway 12 just east of Lowell.
The closure took effect at 3 p.m. Monday and will remain in place indefinitely, until conditions improve. The road was closed between Pete King Creek Road and the Colgate Licks Rest Area, from Milepost 126 to Milepost 139.
Officials say the rapid upswing in temperatures the last few days prompted the avalanche concerns.
The last time an avalanche reached U.S. Highway 12 was in January, when a major storm triggered a slide that dropped trees near the highway. The road was closed for about four days.
Motorists can get up-to-date information by visiting 511.idaho.gov.
