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We just did this drive (Boise to Bay area on 12/21 and back on 12/30). Driving back on 12/30 was just after a storm the night before. The roads were all clear, but slow over Donner summit. The drive from Reno to Winnamucca was very easy. Roads were clear and not much traffic. 95 was also easier than we thought. The roads again were all clear. We did hit a little snow in the Jordon valley, and had to slow down with the blowing snow. Make sure you gas up in Winnamucca, as there is a 100 mile stretch with no services to Jordan.
Can anyone tell me how the weather road conditions for this route are typically in Oct -November? When does the snow usually start? Moving from San Jose with Uhaul and car trailer.
I did that route last October and November a couple of times instead of the I-15 from So Cal to NID since the weather was better that way. The conditions were good on the 95 from Parma to Winnemucca. My brother has gone that route several times during winter towing a trailer and had no problems.
Here's a link to a couple of road cams on the 95 north of Winnemucca:
I am taking that route from Reno to Boise tonight. I'm a bit concerned with the ice that might form in the evening from the rain and snow. Last night the roads in Reno turned to ice and hwy 80 east was a bit icy. It will be late when I go through the Owyhee Mountains and would not be fun if ice is an issue. I have taken this route many times and it's usually very passable. But this time of year and at a late hour I am a bit skeptical. It would definitely be a better drive during the day. Not sure what I'm in for. The only problem I usually run into on that route is the long endless desert for 6 1/2 + hours.
The roads in question are major roads so they typically do a good job maintaining them, but always make sure your vehicle is ready for the conditions. I would bring tire chains just in case. If you don't have them, you can go to a Les Schwab Tire store and pick up a pair and if you never use them, you can return them after April 15th for a full refund!
I am a hard core skier and am always amazed to hear people talk about needing to close schools after a little bit of snow, yet up 4,000 feet higher and 161 corners later (many without guard rails) the parking lot at Bogus Basin (our local ski area) is packed with people enjoying the fresh powder.
If you are not used to driving on snow, just go slow and steady. In the beginning of the ski season most of the wrecks I see are not pickups with no weight in the back end (because the drivers typically already know this fault), it is the big four wheel drive vehicles that think they are invincible, or young inexperienced drivers.
As you will notice on any of the mapping programs out there, that stretch through Nevada is pretty bleak on services so make sure you don't push your gas gauge on empty, etc.
My greatest concern driving through is if I have to drive between dusk and dawn and hitting a deer, and antelope or an elk. Watch for them and enjoy during the day, but be cautious of them at night!+
Hope the trip is safe and uneventful.
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