Driving I-80 across Wyoming this weekend

[ElkHunter]

Originally Posted by jdavid93225

The snow wasn't terribly deep, but it was packed down and very icy. There was quite a bit of traffic on the road, and I wasn't particularly interested in being in or causing an accident, so I used 4 wheel drive to make sure I stayed where I wanted to. I probably didn't need it, but I have it, and it's easy to engage (push a button-no hubs to lock), so I figured, why not? I don't use it a whole lot otherwise, so I thought it would be good to lube the drivetrain, too.

Good call. I lock mine in about once a month for about a mile just to roll that front end. Then once disengaged I lock in the transfer so it can spin from that end for a mile.

But, yeah, I can sure understand it on packed stuff.

[icky2000]

Hey remember me? I'm the guy who started this whole thread and thought I would post an update.

I did end up going the day I had planned and made it across the state. There were a few scary parts. 98% of the roads were dry and clean but there were two spots where ice had built up and the group of cars I was driving in hit those spots at 75mph. It didn't go well for everone. I think I saw about a dozen vehicles in the ditch. I was driving more cautiously than some but the antilock brakes still helped a bit. There was some blowing snow in areas as well which reduced visibility dramatically but it was driveable.

I'm spending the night in North Platte, NE and will be headed back across Wyoming in the morning.

As for the other comments...I grew up in Minnesota and have tons of experience driving on snow and ice. Still, I haven't driven in the mountains much and appreciated the comments here and especially the WyDOT site. I'm sure the locals use I-80 a lot but it is an interstate and you're going to have a ton of people like myself driving those roads on their way cross country. Those folks are necessarily going to be ignorant to the local dangers and it only makes sense that mechanisms exist to protect them.

The ultimate solution does seem to be having someone to screen individual drivers but I suspect with the numbers of vehicles using I-80 these days, it probably isn't realistic.

[ElkHunter]

icky,

Glad you made it half way. You should have clear sailing tomorrow as the weatherman said it's going to be warming.

But this is Wyoming and that could change before the news is over.

Good luck.

[Kristynwy]

I am glad you made it thru safely... thanks for the update

This last snow storm I had to put our truck in four wheel drive cause of some drifts in the driveway, but as soon as I made it to town I was fine in 2 wheel.
I am used to the wet snow in Oregon, so I am very cautious even in four wheel drive, the snow here is a lot easier to get around in...

[icky2000]

One last update now that I'm safely home in Utah...

Crossing Wyoming today was good. WINDY WINDY WINDY but good. The blowing snow wasn't all that bad and the roads were great. Unfortunately I can't say the same for Utah - the snow started just as I hit the border and the descent down into the Salt Lake Valley on slick roads with very poor visibility and 3 lanes of eager traffic was a bit much.

It's always great to go home for a visit but getting home is pretty sweet too! Thanks again, all.

[Kristynwy]

Glad you had a great time come back for a visit soon