Snow /chains through WA, OR, CA.

[tcolar]

I might drive my TT soon from Tacoma to San Jose.

Most direct route is i% but Siskiyou submit (4400') can be tricky / snowy.

If the weather is bad I might take I5 to 199 to 101 where snow is much less likely (all bellow 1500').

Anyway my question is this:

I'm pulling with a Subaru outback (AWD) and have almost never seen a requirement for chains on it whether in CA or OR (It's usually "chains OR AWD with traction tires" OR "Road closed" (never seem 4WD with chains requirement).

I'm thinking some chains on the TT would be useful though.

So does no chain on the car (4WD) and chains on the TT makes senses ?
Also does that have me covered as far as the requirement / law is concerned ?

Thanks.

[Ageless]

I have been monitoring the Siskiyou cameras; it's bare with just a possibility of ice patches. The req. is that you must carry chains or have traction tires. I really don't think chains on the trailer would help as it will track where the TV goes.

The link to ORDOT is http://167.131.0.179/Pages/RCMap.asp?mainNav=RoadConditions&curRegion=7#incidents

[tcolar]

Thanks.

I still have a good week before the planned trip .... the forecast so far (likely to change) is that it will be dry in WA but cool/stormy in Southern OR / CA .. which would not be good ... but it all depends what the temperatures are like ... rain is fine.

From what I've seen I should have chains for one axle of the Subaru even though it's AWD(by law), but don't need any on trailer (no brakes).

I always though 2 chains on an AWD car would be bad for the AWD system but I guess that's not correct.

Will wait and see, if bad weather I might cross over to 199 / 101 along the coast (no snow) .... or just go without the TT altogether.

[Dale M.]

This is probably the best information about chains and driving in Calif under conditions where chain may be needed.....

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/truck ... hains.html

Here is short version..

What are the R-1, R-2 conditions that I hear about?

Although Caltrans does not post signs with these designations nor use them to announce chain controls to the public, they are used internally within Caltrans and the CHP as a kind of shorthand to describe chain restrictions and may be included in traffic reports disseminated by various news outlets.

There are three primary categories of chain restrictions, as shown below:

R-1: Chains are required on all vehicles except passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires on at least two drive wheels. Chains must be carried by vehicles using snow tires. All vehicles towing trailers must have chains on one drive axle. Trailers with brakes must have chains on at least one axle.

R-2: Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles under 6,500 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires on all four wheels. Chains for one set of drive wheels must be carried by four wheel-drive vehicles using snow tires.

R-3: Chains are required on all vehicles without exception.
R-1 and R-2 are the most common conditions. A highway will often be closed before an R-3 condition is imposed. Some local areas may use variations of these designations. You must follow the directions on the signs posted for chain controls or any instructions given by Caltrans or CHP personnel at chain control check points, even if these are at variance with broadcast road condition reports or information contained herein.


Dale

[tcolar]

Yeah, that's what I remember form when I lived in CA and used to go skying over I80/55/88

I've never ever seen the R3 when I lived there, it was always closed before this ... which might have been a good thing, because most drivers there where terrible in the snow

[Shadow Catcher]

There is not enough room to use chains on the Subaru so that is not possible. Even with the stock tires they do very well in snow (we have had LOTS of it this winter). Chains on the trailer, if you have brakes they might do some good but just keeping it slow if and when you encounter snow, will be sufficient.

[Engineer Guy]

On Weather Underground, see Summit conditions linked here. You can look back in history on the travel dates of interest to at least get some sense of what's happened in the past. No predictor of the future...

Siskyou Weather History

AWDs tend to take care of themselves traction-wise. You MIGHT want to consider smoother-riding Cables, instead of Chains, for the Trailer. A Tire Shop could advise. Even Cables might be overkill. Semis chain up only the drive [TV] Wheels. The point of using anything would be to keep the Trailer from 'coming around' on you were you to brake hard unexpectedly.

[stumphugger]

On the Oregon side, there is a large sign that tells you if there are problems on the pass. If so, there is time to pull off into Ashland.

The section between Yreka and Dunsmuir can also be interesting.

[youandi]

We use Peerless Auto Trac Tire Chains Great Product.

[tcolar]

I used to lice in rural eastern WA (north of spokane) up a gravel hill ... and the subaru is quite phenomenal in the snow, no question.

But I guess by law i should carry a set of chains, so will do that (i think i have some anyhow).

But like I said if they do require chains, i probably won't take the trailer.

[Ageless]

Conditions right now are good. I'd make sure I made the pass during the day as the temps will above freezing. I don't see any concerns as long as you drive carefully.

[mvperini]

I would stay on the interstate hwy and not try the hwys to the coast in the winter if you do not have to. I drove long haul on the I5 corridour and used to live in N.CA. the main freeway has more travelers and has more snow removal equipment in use. you never know about the state hwys in the winter.


Mike

[boomboomtulum]

Remember in Ca. All vehicles, including four wheel drive vehicles, that are towing trailers must have chains on one drive axle. and Trailers with brakes must have chains on one axle. Check the link posted above and I am sure it is there.

[jdarkoregon]

My son drove from Salem to Ashland today, Actually there and back for work, no real issues on the roads.

I really doubt you will have any problems

go for it

John

[Shadow Catcher]

"A few years ago, on my way up to Tahoe, I had a brief chat with the poor soul manning a highway 50 chain control checkpoint during the slow, snowy overnight shift. I asked, "Is there ever a situation where I would require chains on my Subaru (AWD Legacy)?"

The answer I received was a very definitive "NO". Other law enforcement officers, CalTrans personnel and high-country residents have indicated the same."

Subaru drive lines are very sensitive to differences in wheel diameter and the ONLY thing that will fit is cable type chains which must be used on all four wheels.