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Old 01-23-2012, 01:06 PM
 
85 posts, read 317,090 times
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I am trying to figure out the best route given the winter weather driving conditions south on I5 heading down towards California. Is the I5 the best route to avoid the undesirable road conditions? I do not have chains. Anyone in the know with regard to the driving conditions on I5 in Oregon, specifically Grants Pass? Thanks in advance, trying to leave tomorrow!

Last edited by aerodmb; 01-23-2012 at 01:19 PM..
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Old 01-23-2012, 01:26 PM
 
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Usually i5 will be better maintained and plowed. Since you're specifically asking about Oregon, why don't you ask there? Or refer to O-DOT? Use their website and they have one specifically to check road conditions:

TripCheck - Road Cams, Road & Weather Conditions in Oregon - ODOT
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Old 01-23-2012, 01:40 PM
 
85 posts, read 317,090 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Inkpoe View Post
Usually i5 will be better maintained and plowed. Since you're specifically asking about Oregon, why don't you ask there? Or refer to O-DOT? Use their website and they have one specifically to check road conditions:

TripCheck - Road Cams, Road & Weather Conditions in Oregon - ODOT
Just actually found that site, thanks. Looks like conditions are good on the roads in I5, barring any future snow event. That's a great site btw!
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Old 01-23-2012, 02:12 PM
 
Location: the Beaver State
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I-5 is a major artery to interstate commerce. When it snows it's the first to get plowed and sanded.

At worse you'll be delayed a few hours near Grants Pass or Shasta area if there is heavy snow. Just watch the TripCheck site and you'll be good to go.
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Old 01-23-2012, 03:57 PM
 
Location: anywhere but Seattle
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If it snows they will impose chain controls over the Siskiyou pass on CA/OR border and then again through the Mt Shasta area. In the winter CARRY CHAINS.
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Old 01-23-2012, 04:17 PM
 
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I drove through there the first of the year and it was bare roads and sunshine -they've had very little snow this year ... but that can change very quickly.
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Old 01-23-2012, 08:11 PM
 
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I would carry chains. You have a good chance to make it without but I have made the trip to the bay area many times in winter and a big snow can come on very fast. Cheaper to buy chains than stay at a motel, assuming there is a room available.
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Old 01-24-2012, 01:25 PM
 
Location: Portland, Oregon
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If snow is predicted a longer, slower, option is usually the coast highway (101) but with recent storms some routes may not be passable.
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Old 04-24-2012, 10:58 AM
 
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Normally, in most mountain locations in the various Western states, unless they call an "R1" (the highest stage prior to outright closure), 4WD with snow tires would not require chains. However, I have heard that at Siskiyou Summit, the ODoT is ultraconservative and will essentially go to an "R1" with any snow on the road (a similar mentality as how the CDoT manages the Grapevine). Is that true? I really, really, really do not want to buy chains for my 4X for an upcoming trip, which, as luck would have it, may have me crossing the summit while it's snowing. I hate chains and have driven unplowed roads many times - needless to say I am pretty comfortable driving in the worst conditions.

On that note: If it is true that they immediately jump to an "R1" would the US-97 / OR rte 66 work-around suffice? I would not mind crossing any pass at any altitude / any grade / on the narrowest road, in order to avoid overly conservative chain controls (and subsequent needless spending, gridlock, etc).
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Old 04-24-2012, 12:14 PM
 
Location: The beautiful Rogue Valley, Oregon
7,785 posts, read 18,839,461 times
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There are definitely times (rare times) when I-5 is closed, even to 4WD/AWD with chains. That is not a yearly occurrence.

When it says "chains required", you must carry chains or have snow-rated tires (all 4 tires) even if your vehicle is 4WD/AWD.

"Them's the rules" according to ODOT.
Citizens' Representative Office Answers to Common Questions about ODOT
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