Released in 2002, Alturas was fifth and seventh in acreage in Idaho and the U.S. in 2006, respectively. Alturas is used primarily for processing, with its light russeting limiting its use for fresh-pack; however, it has been rated highly for its culinary quality.

It is notable for its high yields and solids, and coldsweetening resistance.

Alturas has resistance to Verticillium wilt and early blight. Weaknesses include short tuber dormancy, late maturity in areas with short growing seasons and higher water requirements than Russet Burbank.

A release article for Alturas was published in the American Journal of Potato Research in 2003, volume 80.  In addition, an interpretive summary and technical abstract of "Alturas: a Multi-Purpose Russet Potato Cultivar with High Yield and Specific Gravity" is available on the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) site.