Traveling through on I-90 this time of year?

[Reziac]

Originally Posted by seven of nine

Not meaning to offend, I just often wonder if once the chains are on some feel invincible, just not wanting anyone to end up a grease ball on the highway.

Nah, they make too much racket and slow you down too much, even at the best of times. And if you drive too fast you're liable to throw one and rip up a brake line. So the problem is kinda self-limiting.

They DO help on really slick ice. I remember one time we were... um, I think on the long grade outside of Williston ND (I think it was Williston, or was it Minot?), which was black ice all the way up, and wound up coming to a halt when my grandma nagged my uncle into downshifting (he TOLD her this would happen!) and couldn't get going again til we put chains on.

And there was the winter when the ice in my driveway was like glass... couldn't get in/out, or down the middle part of Tower Road (east of Belgrade) without chains. You'd just make a slick puddle in the ice without 'em. Studded snow tires couldn't get any grip at all.

[urhere]

Chains are never required on I-90 except on towing units. You'll be fine. Just take a break if there's black ice and wait it out.

[Yohbaby1]

Are chains required between Missoula and Great Falls,MT

[Yohbaby1]

Thanks, my fiance is traveling from Spokane to Great Falls, MT on the 23rd of Dec , and I'm worried about road conditionns the whole way

[jimj]

Originally Posted by Yohbaby1

Are chains required between Missoula and Great Falls,MT

No they're not in fact I don't think I've ever seen where chains were required.
I'd check the redneck roadmap posting at the top of the Montana page or go to KPAX.Com and look at the travel links, I'd make sure her cell has 511 on speed dial and I'd check before leaving on the 23rd. We're forcast to get a good amount of snow starting Wed so the passes might get dicey.

[michael11747]

Originally Posted by seven of nine

Just remember chains do not help on ice! Drive safe

i've wrecked a few chains driving on ice...

[Reziac]

Originally Posted by michael11747

i've wrecked a few chains driving on ice...

When the ice is thin and the chains are actually contacting the pavement, the repeated banging (especially at highway speeds) crystallizes the metal, which drastically weakens it, and pretty soon the chains fracture into a lot of little pieces. Been there, done that

[rubydi]

If there is snow, the Columbus hill near Billings can be a b******. Best to check the weather forecast to plan ahead.