Traveling through on I-90 this time of year? (buying, safe)

[joe stixpuck]

Barring a winter storm, is the interstate pretty clear going across the state right now? By clear I mean no snow and/or ice.

Also guess I'd need to carry tire chains?

Am traveling from the Seattle area to St. Louis within the next couple weeks and appreciate any advice, including whether dropping down further south and taking I-80 across might be a more prudent route.

[bigtrees]

Barring winter snow storms I-90 will be fine. They regularly sand and deice the road so it's normally just fine.

The problem is if you have a winter storm (which happens a lot) then it's slick until they get the sanders out there.

Snoqualmie Pass will be one of the worst stretches if it's snowy up there. It's often a mess there.

[Greybear]

I think it may be a requirement to have chains over Snoqualmie (when its icy)? Should be no problem going accross MT, unless its during or right after a storm. What kind of car are you driving?

[joe stixpuck]

Thanks bigtrees! I hadn't even thought of Snoqualmie for some reason even though it's so close to where I'm at right now, and it was the worst part of the route coming out here from the east in September.

Any further advice from you or anyone else is greatly appreciated!

[joe stixpuck]

Originally Posted by Greybear

I think it may be a requirement to have chains over Snoqualmie (when its icy)? Should be no problem going accross MT, unless its during or right after a storm. What kind of car are you driving?

Thanks for the reply Greybear! I will be driving a Mazda Tribute front-wheel drive. It'll be pretty loaded down with cargo (moving) so will be sitting a little heavy. Tires are in good shape and all-season truck/suv. I've never used chains, but know in a lot of mountainous areas they're required this time of year. Nice to know Montana may not be as bad as I'd figured. I'll also (hopefully) not be travelling much after daylight fades.

[seven of nine]

Just remember chains do not help on ice! Drive safe

[rangerider]

Originally Posted by seven of nine

Just remember chains do not help on ice! Drive safe

*I beg to differ!*

__________________________________________________ ________

Joe, here's a couple websites to help you out if you can access wireless anywhere:

Traveler Information - Road and Weather Information

State of Montana Road Condition Map

Montana RWIS Sites

These will give you a fairly clear picture of what conditions are like. You can also dial 5-1-1 and get road reports; I've never done that so I can tell you how complete or accurate they are.

If all else fails, stopping and asking at any of the more major trucks stops will help a lot. They usually hear all about bad road conditions throughout the day from guys coming and going.

Good luck and have a nice trip!

[joe stixpuck]

Thanks for the links, rangerider! Will be checking them out here in a minute, and sure they'll be a big help on the road.

[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.

[bigtrees]

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.

I actually agree on chains. My family was never a fan, my father would use them when plowing the driveway and when up on logging roads but never around town or major roads. He did like studded snow tires and those actually do help a great deal on icy roads (but not worth buying for a singular trip once every few years).