I-90, 80 or 70? (hotel, casino, live)

[Otto1958]

Hi all and thanks in advance for any helpful information!

I'll soon be moving from sunny Florida to western Montana in January and I have been told to avoid I-80 west at all costs. Google maps gave me several options but seem to be steering me to I-90 to go west. I was wondering if I could stay on I-70 then go north when I hit Denver, would this be a better January route than going through South Dakota?

[MTSilvertip]

Last time I went through SoDak a couple years ago it was a blizzard all the way, but I-90 was fine for traveling, visibility was a little tough though

Iowa shut the whole state down after I passed through with the same storm, South Dakota, no problems.

[WyoNewk]

My suggestion would be to keep a close eye on the weather forecast and pick the one that looks best at the last minute.

Generally speaking, I doubt I-90 across South Dakota and Wyoming is typically any worse than I-70 across Kansas and eastern Colorado, but one area can be worse than the other at any particular time. Same is true with I-35, I-29 or I-25 heading north. All three can get some hellacious winds and close or be hazardous to drive -- at different times. Western South Dakota and Wyoming get less snow and fog, but the winds are just as bad or worse, especially through South Dakota.

Unless the weather dictates otherwise, I'd plan on taking I-35 or I-29 up to I-90 rather than I-25.

I live on I-90 in eastern Wyoming and used to travel on it through SD to Iowa pretty regularly. I only ran into closed roads once in 40 years or so. That was the first week in January, and my brother had the same thing happen to him once in early January. For both of us, it was just an overnight stay and we were back on the road the next morning.

Again, check the weather, study the weather maps. Wind velocity is often more of a factor than snow. It can be bright sunshine, but if the winds are blowing hard, the roads can close due to low visibility -- especially after a recent snow storm.

[historyfan]

The road conditions can vary widely from day to day & hour to hour in January.

Each state has a website with maps for current road conditions. The Montana traveler information site also is available as a phone app. Allow extra days in your schedule so you can hotel up if need be. It makes more sense sometimes than traveling all day at top speed 35 mph in a near whiteout blizzard. If reports say black ice and/or freezing fog or rain ahead, get off highway and into a hotel.

Also I like the weatherbug phone app because you can put in zip codes of towns on your route & it will alert you of winter storm watches.

You did not say what you will be driving. The vehicle & winter driving experience will make a difference in what is appropriate to be out in & speed to drive. Just because your vehicle can go a certain speed does not mean it is prudent. I am often passed by small zippy 4wheel drives & see them upside down further down the highway. We drive 1Ton 4wheel drive Dodge pickups with excellent tires & sometimes extra weight on the axles. So if you are passing vehicles like that, you are driving too fast. Be safe.

Always travel with winter survival kit and warm winter clothes & boots inside vehicle--not in trunk.. Always have someone who you check in with frequently who knows where you are going. Be aware cell reception either is non existent in many areas or not good during storms.

I personally try to avoid Wyoming driving in winter for the winds but have also been in horrid conditions in South Dakota. So be flexible in route choices and do not take unnecessary chances.

[janab]

Watch the weather and stay as far south as you can until time to turn noth. Depending how far west in MT is your destination should also play large part in your routes along with weather reports. Good luck

[NDak15]

Originally Posted by Otto1958

Hi all and thanks in advance for any helpful information!

I'll soon be moving from sunny Florida to western Montana in January and I have been told to avoid I-80 west at all costs. Google maps gave me several options but seem to be steering me to I-90 to go west. I was wondering if I could stay on I-70 then go north when I hit Denver, would this be a better January route than going through South Dakota?

I agree with what others have said, watch the weather reports and make a decision based on that. All of those routes represent some vast areas where weather conditions can change rapidly.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by Otto1958

I'll soon be moving from sunny Florida to western Montana in January
and I have been told to avoid I-80 west at all costs.

West on I-10 through Phoenix AZ then up to Las Vegas and I-15
Hang out in the casino's, see a couple shows, rest and relax...
until you KNOW the weather is clear for the last portion of the trip.
Then Go!

http://goo.gl/maps/AyXwK

[ElkHunter]

I would recommend heading over to Albequerky (can't spell) and then head North on I25. 25 can be tricky from the Wyoming/Colorado state line. That is the one area that you are going to want to keep an eye on things.

Log on to Wyodot.com and take a look at 511 notify. You can register on there and select your route. You can set it up for text messages, or for email alerts, or both. Every time there is a road alert, you will he notified. Black Ice, low visibility, road closers, etc.... I have all the local roads alerted. Its a valuable tool to have the text alerts while traveling.