Slide shuts down BNSF rail traffic
June 13, 2011
This slide approximately 15 miles east of Bonners Ferry shut down BNSF rail traffic for more than 24 hours.
A rockside about 15 miles east of Bonners Ferry has shut down rail traffic on the Burlington Northern Sante Fe line since Sunday afternoon.

Crews worked through the night, and hope to have rail traffic moving again later this evening.

BNSF spokesman Gus Melonas said sensors detected the avalanche in time to safely stop a train shortly after the slide before it reached the canyon where the slide occurred.

The slide, which is about 30 feet wide and 30 feet deep, was caused by the recent heavy rains, snow melt and the changing spring temperatures. Amtrak and about 30 freight trains typically pass the site daily.