driving from NM (north) or (west) to WA (weather, date)

[rambrush]

If you buy chains say from Walmart checker auto etc and you don't use them you can return them. Peace of mind to have em and not need em.
As I used to live in Easton Wa. I know from experience that they really work there rears off to keep the pass open.
There is web cams at Hyak and others to check road conditions.
I also have runs straight up through Winemuca Nevada and it was not so bad.
Born and raised in Tri cities but as ya can see I am now in Arizona.

[scirocco22]

Hi ontheroad--

Number one, as others have said, I don't think you need to be concerned about the incident that happened in southern Oregon. It doesn't sound as if you'll be taking a lot of back roads.

And I really don't think you'll have to worry too much about snow if you stay on the Interstate highways as they are well maintained. Yes, you may encounter some mountain passes but seldom will chains be "required." I say this because I've travelled extensively in the areas being mentioned in the winter.

For example, I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass may frequently have "traction tires recommended" or even "traction devices recommended," rarely will there be traction devices or chains "required." I've been across that pass literally thousands of times in the winter as I "was" a skier and I also lived in Ellensburg and made frequent trips to Seattle when I was in college. You didn't say if your Pathfinder is 4-wheel drive, but if the "chains required" sign does go up, more than likely the State Patrol will allow 4-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles to pass without chains as long as they can show that they're in the vehicle. I don't think I ever recall having to put chains on a 4-wheel drive vehicle (I've always owned either 4-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles) going over Snoqualmie ...usually the roadway will be impassable and they'll close it before gets to the point where even a 4-wheel drive vehicle can't pass through the snow on the roadway. Remember, this is an Interstate highway where truck traffic is crucial so they'll do anything they can to keep the road open.

Going the shortest route --I-70 to I-15 through Utah and I-84 through Idaho and Oregon-- the only real problem area is I-70 over the Rockies and perhaps I-84 at Cabbage Hill as rambush has mentioned. With that said, I've been over both roadways in the dead of winter and never encountered any problems. It all has to do with timing. I-15 through Utah and I-84 through Idaho should be no problem unless the timing is such that you're in a huge storm. Usually, it will snow but, again, the roadway is kept relatively clear.

If you're going to Aberdeen, you won't be encountering Eastern Washington at all as you'll be headed across Oregon along the Columbia River. That roadway can get icy in the winter but, again, it's timing. Most of the time it's clear sailing.

Yeah, you might want to buy yourself a set of chains but my hunch is that you'll never use them ...hopefully, at least.

Good luck and keep us posted on how it goes!

--'rocco

[ontheroad]

Thanka, Rocco, I sure appreciate your vote of confidence and Rambrush, I am pleased to hear I can buy chains, and if I don't use them, return them. Of course I don't like the W-mart folks, but if they are the best buy and have better returnable policies, we have one here in Taos.

Rocco, I do have 4-wheel drive in the Pathfinder. It doesn't get much use, but this trip sounds like a time I will want and need them.

I think I'll also see if I can get a CB radio as I have had no radio reception in the Sandia, Sangre or Taos mountains going up north or south and I have a good system in the car--including AM. I think I saw one that was kind of nifty in the L.L. Bean catalogue.

You have all been so helpful and positive. I am getting excited about the drive, and will let you know how I fare.

Take care and happy holidays (I won't get started btw until after the festivities here in town).

[coltoncity]

Snoqualmie pass can be a real pain, I went over Stevens pass and was fine though and no chhains in December. Just carry some with you. When you get this far and you need them you can buy them from 'Les Schwaubs' (?spellings wrong) and if you dont use them you can get your money back when you get back to that area. Its a good deal.

I had some friends who made the trip back east and they all said stay 84 to the Dalles. Follow that through to I-5 and once you hit Washington its 75 MPH. Anywhere along the I-5 corridor is rain land so be careful but youll get there quick. Aberdeen is beautiful you should love it. By the way, I was going to mssg you some questions about Taos area but couldnt send them. Can I email you some questions?

[ontheroad]

I am on the road, literally, enroute to the East Coast, and presently in Columbia, MO. My PMs and email are both closed but feel free to ask any questions you have on the New Mexico forum (say in the Artists' Town thread) and I'll try to answer them for you.

Originally Posted by coltoncity

By the way, I was going to mssg you some questions about Taos area but couldnt send them. Can I email you some questions?

[Olivyaroz]

ontheroad--

I'm planning to drive from Denver to WA around the same time. Planning to go I-80 to Salt Lake, then the 84 straight up and over.

I have 4-W and all season tires. I don't usually carry chains- in my experience, in snowy conditions most mountian passes require chains OR snow tires (some say "traction" tires). I don't know- is WA different than CO and NM in that regard?
-Olivyaroz

[scirocco22]

In extremely rare occurences, I have seen it where the "chains required" alert is posted. And that usually means on every vehicle ...even 4WD and AWD. This unusual occurence is usually brief in nature when there is so much snow on the road that it is almost to the point where they have to close it because the plows can't keep up. Personally, I've only seen that happen once in the literally hundreds of times that I've been crossing I-90 at Snoqualmie Pass and twice on SR2 at Stevens.

You're right though, in almost all cases it's "chains or approved traction devices required" or "chains or approved traction devices recommended." "Approved traction devices" being chains, studded tires, snow tires (M+S), etc.

If I have the chance, I'll take a quick look at the Oregon D.O.T. site and see if it's the same as Washington.

--'rocco

[scirocco22]

Here's the Washington D.O.T. information.

--'rocco



Know your Tire and Chain Options

Road and weather conditions vary throughout Washington. Because different types of winter tires perform best under different road conditions, your local tire dealer can help you select the best option.

Approved passenger car traction tires have at least an eighth of an inch of tread and are labeled "Mud and Snow," "M+S," "All Season," or have a "Mountain/Snowflake," symbol. These tires can be used year-round. Studded tires are approved traction tires. In Washington, studded tires are legal for use between November 1 through April 1.

For more information on Washington's laws regarding tire chains and traction tires, visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/commercialvehicle/chain_req.htm

Traction Advisories: What Do They Mean?

1. Traction Advisory - Oversize Vehicles Prohibited

Road signs let drivers know the legal requirements on roadways. To keep Drivers and roadways safe, we sometimes restrict oversize vehicles from roadways during severe weather conditions.

Traction Tires?

Traction tires have at least an eighth of an inch of tread and are labeled "Mud and Snow," "M+S," "All Season," or have a "Mountain/Snowflake," symbol.

2. Chains required on vehicles over 10,000 gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).

If your vehicle (this includes some larger passenger trucks and SUV's) exceeds that gross weight, chains are required. If you fail to install chains, you may get ticketed and fined. Vehicles over 10,000 gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) must carry chains November 1 through March 31 on certain state-owned roads. For more information on chain requirement, visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/commercialvehicle/chain_req.htm



3. Chains required on all vehicles - Except all-wheel drive

In extreme weather conditions, the Washington State Patrol will require all vehicles (except all-wheel drive) to install tire chains. However, the Washington State Patrol can require chains on all-wheel drive vehicles too.

Check the latest road restrictions at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes

[scirocco22]

And here's the information from the Oregon D.O.T.

--'rocco




Chain Law

Oregon's chain law applies to all highways throughout the state. When you drive in winter conditions, you may see signs telling you to carry chains or traction tires and when you are required to use them. In some areas, lighted message signs also will advise you about chaining up. Traction tires may be used in place of chains on vehicles rated at 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or less and that are not towing or being towed.

In very bad winter road conditions all vehicles may be required to use chains regardless of the type of vehicle or type of tire being used. This is known as a conditional road closure. A conditional road closure may occur on any of Oregon's highways and are frequent in the winter on Interstate 5 through Siskiyou Pass south of Ashland.

Studded tires are legal in Oregon from November 1 to April 1. Because of the damage caused by studded tires, the Department of Transportation encourages motorists to use studded tires only when necessary. Delaying putting on studded tires or using other traction tires is helpful to the condition of the highways.

For placement of chains or traction tires go to Minimum Chain Requirements. For information on traction tires go to Traction Tires.

Signs

Signs like these will be posted to let you know the current requirements for chains and traction tires:




You must have chains or traction tires in or on your vehicle and they must be the right size for your vehicle and of sufficient number to comply with the chain laws.





You must use chains if your vehicle is towing or rated more than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW). Chains must also be used on a trailer or vehicle being towed if it has a brake that operates while in tow.





You must use chains if your vehicle is towing or is rated over 10,000 pounds GVW. Chains must also be used on a trailer or vehicle being towed if it has a brake that operates while in tow. If your vehicle is rated 10,000 pounds GVW or less and is not towing you must use chains or traction tires.



Definitions

"Chains" include link chains, cable chains, or any other device that attaches to the wheel, vehicle or outside of the tire that is specifically designed to increase traction on ice and snow conditions. For information on the placement of chains go to Minimum Chain Requirements.

"Traction Tires" are studded tires or other tires that meet the tire industry definition as suitable for use in severe snow conditions. These tires are marked with a mountain/snowflake emblem on the sidewall like this:



For information on tires that meet the tire industry definition as suitable for use in severe snow conditions, contact your tire dealer or the Northwest Tires Dealers Association. When allowed in place of chains, traction tires are to be placed as shown on Minimum Chain Requirements.

Studded tires are legal for use in Oregon from November 1 to April 1. The studs must be made of a rigid material that wears at the same rate as the tire tread. Studs must extend at least .04 inch but not more than .06 inch beyond the tread surface.

Exemptions

In typical winter conditions, the following vehicles are completely or partially exempt from the chain law. However, in very bad winter road conditions all vehicles may be required to use chains regardless of the type of vehicle or type of tire being used (this is known as a conditional road closure). A conditional road closure may occur on any of Oregon's highways and are frequent in the winter on Interstate 5 through the Siskiyou Pass south of Ashland:

1. Police vehicles, and fire vehicles, ambulances, and Department of Transportation highway maintenance vehicles when performing their duties.
2. A four-wheel or all-wheel drive passenger vehicle if all of the following statements are true:
a) It has an unloaded weight of 6,500 pounds or less;
b) It is operated to provide power to both the front and rear wheels;
c) It is carrying chains;
d) It has mud and snow, all-weather radial, or traction tires on all of its wheels;
e) It is not towing another vehicle;
f) It is not being operated in a manner or under conditions that cause the vehicle to lose traction.
3. Utility company vehicles, such as water, power, or heat, when providing emergency response services.
4. A bus that is over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW) due only to accessibility modifications for disabled persons is exempt from the chain requirements for vehicles rated over 10,000 GVW unless it is towing or being towed.
5. Motorcycles are exempt from the requirement to carry chains or traction tires and may not travel when chains or traction tires are required on all or certain vehicles.

Note: Although exempt, ODOT vehicles use mud and snow tires and chains in most winter situations. Studded tires are not used on ODOT vehicles because of the damage such tires cause to the highway.

Penalties

Drivers who disobey the signs requiring chains or traction tires are subject to a class C traffic infraction.

[centurion]

Maybe these will help.........

www.mapquest.com/directions/main (broken link)

www.wunderground.com/ndfdimage/viewimage