driving I-80 cross country this time of year (vs, safer)

[joe stixpuck]

Barring a winter storm, is the interstate pretty clear passing through the Sierras this time of year? By clear I mean no snow and/or ice.

Also guess I'd need to carry tire chains?

Am actually traveling from the Seattle area to St. Louis within the next couple weeks, but may drop down into Bay Area to visit friends while out West before heading to StL. If anyone has driven both I-90 (from Seattle) and I-80 (from BA) East this time of year would appreciate a comparison of whether one is safer than the other. I've done both routes but never this time of year.

[Adriatica]

I can't speak for I-90, but for I-80, you should definitely bring chains with you. Unless there's a big storm right as you're driving toward and through the Tahoe area, you should be fine. I-80 is generally very passable this time of year.

[joe stixpuck]

Thanks Adriatica! I am definitely favoring going the I-80 route vs 1-90, despite tacking on an extra day driving. I'm experienced driving in snow/ice from growing up in Missouri, but the western mountains are a whole different ballgame in comparison. Will be packing some tire chains this trip now.

[sonarrat]

You can use this very simple website from the DOT to get a heads-up on whether you'll need chains in the Sierras: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/i80

[cleosmom]

Originally Posted by joe stixpuck

Barring a winter storm, is the interstate pretty clear passing through the Sierras this time of year? By clear I mean no snow and/or ice.

Also guess I'd need to carry tire chains?

Am actually traveling from the Seattle area to St. Louis within the next couple weeks, but may drop down into Bay Area to visit friends while out West before heading to StL. If anyone has driven both I-90 (from Seattle) and I-80 (from BA) East this time of year would appreciate a comparison of whether one is safer than the other. I've done both routes but never this time of year.

If you're taking the 80 across you're going to want to be on the watch in Wyoming. They have already had a few storms which have closed the passes. Taking US 30 around Elk Mountain (between Rawlins and Laramie) is a good idea if the it's snowing and windy.

[humboldtrat]

Originally Posted by cleosmom

If you're taking the 80 across you're going to want to be on the watch in Wyoming. They have already had a few storms which have closed the passes. Taking US 30 around Elk Mountain (between Rawlins and Laramie) is a good idea if the it's snowing and windy.

Also watch out for Parleys Summit on I-80 east of Salt Lake City but west of Park City. It's about 6800 ft elevation.

[cleosmom]

Originally Posted by humboldtrat

Also watch out for Parleys Summit on I-80 east of Salt Lake City but west of Park City. It's about 6800 ft elevation.

Oops, forgot about that one since I'm north of there. Thanks

[joe stixpuck]

Thanks everyone! All the helpful advice is very appreciated.

Still kind of a tossup which route I'm taking, but between the help I've found here, and in the Montana and Wyoming forums, I think I've found most of the info I need to make an educated decision.

Any further info greatly appreciated, and thanks for the input so far!