Massive landslide leaves remote town of Elk City isolated, Idaho

A massive landslide slid onto Highway 14 in Idaho on February 18, 2016, trapping about 250 people in the small remote town of Elk City. 

According to Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), about 14 tons of debris slid onto a section of the highway, some 16 km (10 miles) west of Elk City. Some 150 meters (500 feet) of the highway is blocked off with rock, trees, and debris nearly 12 m (40 feet) deep.

The landslide also wiped out power lines, leaving the tiny community without electricity. Many people who live at or around Elk City get their water from wells and when the power goes out, so does their water.

Video credit: Londa Edwards

"ITD crews are developing, with the aid of geologists and landslide experts, a plan for safely removing the debris. A timetable for reopening the route has not yet been determined. One of the problems, besides assessing stability, is what to do with the slide material. ITD has no nearby materials pit that could hold such a massive quantity," the Department said.

Transportation crews are working on Forest Roat 1199 for emergency use.

Image credit: ITD

Image credit: ITD

Featured image credit: Idaho Transportation Department