winter travel on I 5 from Oregon to Ca in Jan or Feb (Portland: rental)

[debby.gillett]

We are planning a move from Seattle to Fresno this coming Jan or Feb and will be driving a 10' rental truck--need to know what the roads will be like mainly I-5 since we will be traveling this route from Wa thru Oregon to Ca. Does anyone know what conditions will be like and what we need to know! Thanks much for any help

[Ultrarunner]

Unpredictable...

I've had spring like weather and also encountered blizzard white-out conditions through the Siskiyous. Unfortunately, anything is possible that time of year. I never go that way without taking a set of tested tire chains...

You can also check the live traffic and weather cams to see actual road conditions.

I'd take snow over ice any day... you might want to limit late night and early morning travel in freezing temps.

[mamh]

The best thing you can do is go to Oregon Trip.com...this is odots web camera and weather page..It shows the camera's clear down to the weed airport and the information is accurate..You need to make another plan to head from Grants Pass to Crescent City on 101 if the I-5 weather is bad..101 is a longer drive but nice road..You can cut across to 80 in Santa Rosa, I think its 112 that goes threw there to Napa and and 80...This will add 2 days to your trip but if the weather is bad its good to know..I drive down to napa on 5 and come home 101 but haven't done in really bad weather
Good luck

[haggardhouseelf]

We've done this drive at all different times of the year, having lived in all three states and my husband working in all three states and traveling back and forth frequently the past 5 years. Jan/Feb weather is unpredictable, so as others have mentioned just keep chains with you (and make sure you practice putting them on and taking them off... you don't want to suddenly need them and have to figure out how to use them during a storm...) and keep an eye on the road conditions via radio or internet cams and ODOT or all of the above. Generally, though, I-5 is much safer than 101, as 101 has more rock slides, debris, mudholes, and high heavy winds coming in from off the ocean. 101 is also a much smaller, windier road and personally I wouldn't feel safe driving a moving van full of my possessions in very bad weather on a small windy highway that is known for washouts and prone to blockages from falling rocks and trees. I-5 would definitely be your safer, and quicker bet. For a sightseeing adventure sort of trip I would definitely recommend 101, but for your purposes I'd stick with I-5.

When we travel I-5 up and down through the three states we plan our trip according to the CostCo's which have gas stations. CostCo is a good place to stop, we find, because we can fill up with gas, grab a cheap bite to eat, and even rest a little bit and stretch our legs if we need to and generally it's cleaner and feels safer than the gas stations that are right off the hwy. CostCo also usually has an auto center, so if you needed assistance putting your chains on or need the air in your tires checked or whatever else... they should be able to help you. I've had my tires aired up for free at CostCo several times without even buying anything. Gas at CostCo also usually saves you a little bit of money as well.

You might also want to make sure you have with you warm clothes, rain gear, flares, blankets, a pillow, water, and nonperishable foods and snacks just in case. If there is a huge storm and they have to shut the hwy down for a bit like they did last winter in the Southern Oregon/norcal section with all the flooding, you'll have some comforts and essentials with you while you wait it out. Better to be prepared.

Good luck with everything!

[Smiled]

Yes, unpredictable - the section from south of Ashland to Redding can be open or closed. Your rental company likely won't let you drive in snow. However, if I-5 is shut, you can detour over to 101. Be sure to do that up by Roseburg, though, as US199 can also have snow and ice.
I drove from the Bay Area to Portland in January and I-5 was fine, but you just never know.

[StealthRabbit]

Anything can happen during that time.

When it gets close, Use the 7-14 day forecast for a rough idea, but... you may have to schedule according to weather
7-Day Forecast for Latitude 45.54N and Longitude 122.4W (Elev. 102 ft)

a 10' truck is pretty small, I would just get some cable chains and head out. It beats driving the 'beaters' that I get stuck with !! Take it easy going downhill, !!! (Extra weight = extra momentum)

[PukaFace]

The area of I-5 near Mt Shasta is usually the bottleneck. They can get snow with little warning.
THe Highway isn't usually closed for very long though because so many truckers need to get through. I have lived in Fresno for 27 years if you have any questions about this area, or want specific updates, just let me know.

George

[debby.gillett]

I would really like to thank all that have responded so far! Will keep monitoring and look forward to any more info! Cannot wait to move to Fresno! Thanks all!! Talk to you soon! And thanks once again for all the input! You guys are awesome!

[FresnoFacts]

Also, Jan/Feb is during the Central Valley's fog season. Dense fog may occur between Redding and Fresno. Visibility sometimes will drop to under 100 feet. The best advice is to slow waaay down.

There are other fog driving tips in this brochure from the CHP and Caltrans.
http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist6/docs/fog...re_english.pdf

Keep this phone number handy for California road conditions, 1-800-427-7623.