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Old 03-18-2013, 11:35 AM
 
Location: Maple Valley
202 posts, read 406,732 times
Reputation: 176

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We are headed west next Saturday - moving from the suburbs of Chicago to Maple Valley, WA! We are planning to drive on 90/94. Question is, we won't need chains for our tires will we??
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Old 03-18-2013, 12:30 PM
 
Location: A Very Naughtytown In Northwestern Montanifornia U.S.A.
1,088 posts, read 1,949,164 times
Reputation: 1986
You better carry chains or cables when crossing mountain passes. You may not need them in Montana but if there is a storm going on as you try to cross the Cascade range, the Washington state troopers are sticklers about making sure folks at least carry traction devices and they often make folks put the chains on right in front of them (during storms) or they will turn you back.
I would advise getting cables and carry them in the trunk. Chances are that you won't need them but it would be wise to carry them.
It's also a good idea to carry flairs, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher and snacks as well as plenty of drinking water in a rig especially when on a long trip crossing mountain ranges.
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Old 03-18-2013, 02:02 PM
 
Location: Maple Valley
202 posts, read 406,732 times
Reputation: 176
Time to go do some research! Living here in Illinois we've never had to have chains before. In fact, I don't think they're allowed!
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Old 03-18-2013, 03:52 PM
 
5,401 posts, read 6,540,982 times
Reputation: 12017
Lookout pass the Idaho/Montana line required chains the other day. It may have just been for towing units. Look at the "Montana traveler information" website & click on the interactive map for road conditions in Montana. The storms this time of year can put down a lot of wet snow. The good thing is typically it only lasts for a day.
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Old 03-18-2013, 10:11 PM
 
Location: North Dakota
10,349 posts, read 13,965,066 times
Reputation: 18284
Carry chains just to be sure and check the road conditions by calling 511. You will probably be fine but better safe than sorry.
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Old 03-18-2013, 10:14 PM
 
361 posts, read 748,871 times
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These guys are right. Carry chains. Montana can be brutal this time of year.
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Old 03-19-2013, 11:12 AM
 
34 posts, read 88,794 times
Reputation: 27
Do carry chains. And I assume you will be going over Snoqualmie pass. You can visit the WA DOT:

WSDOT - Snoqualmie Pass Road and Weather Conditions

It may be clear when you leave but mountain weather can change very quickly. The camera at the top shows three lanes but either side of that, it's only two. Ditto on the traction devices or honest 4-wheel drive. When traction devices were required, we always made it through in the 4x4 truck. But people are right, the WSP does not mess around.

Also, make sure you make a pit stop at least in Ellensburg, (Going west) whether you need it or not. IF they are dealing with avalanch precautions, you can sit for quite a while waiting. One time, we waited for 4 hours. Everyone was taking off exits on the west side to make pit stops after that (I think the top facilities were closed or something that time) and lines were long.....
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