Snow Chains?
During the summer a couple of years ago while traveling to Seattle on I-90 I remember seeing some exits or pull offs for putting on snow chains. I can't remember exactly what the signs said but I was wondering if it's mandatory to put on snow chains when there's snow on the roads in these areas or just a convenience exit to put on chains if you think you need them? Seems like I remember the signs saying it was mandatory when there's snow on the road but I can't remember for sure?
Anyway the reason I was wondering is because we'll be driving to Seattle again in a few weeks when there's a possibility there could be some snow since it'll be later in the year this time and was wondering if I need to have some snow chains with me just in case?
I don't want to be turned around by the State Troopers and sent back down the mountain and then have to look for a place to stay until the roads are clear.
Anyway the reason I was wondering is because we'll be driving to Seattle again in a few weeks when there's a possibility there could be some snow since it'll be later in the year this time and was wondering if I need to have some snow chains with me just in case?
I don't want to be turned around by the State Troopers and sent back down the mountain and then have to look for a place to stay until the roads are clear.
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A few weeks? You will be good. Les Schwab tires has a deal to pay for tire chains, and if you don't use them, in April they will buy them back. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Alpine
A few weeks?
Yep we'll be leaving here the last week of this month and won't be back until the 1st or 2nd week of November.0 -
https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=204-24-050
Note paragraph 1 (a). My Subaru outback with all-weather tires would be exempt, but I would have to carry chains. I don't even know if could get chains for it. You still have to carry a set.
Normally doesn't snow up there until mid-October, or later, and they don't put the chain sign up unless conditions are really bad..0 -
Depends where you are, but let's take for instance past Reno Nevada going on over to Truckee California through Donner's Pass. They can get 4 to 6 feet of snow in a couple of hours, and do get that much in a couple hours quite a bit during the winter... But they're not mandatory unless the highway patrolman are there to make sure you have them. and if you don't, they'll turn you back to either Reno or Trucking depending on which way you're traveling. And then you have to pay an arm and a leg for them (like 4-5 times the price of any place else), because they know they got you by the testicles if you want to keep on traveling. Of course a four wheel drive with snow tires are exemption... But a smart person that's traveling over Donner's Pass during the winter would have chains even if he has a four-wheel drive and snow tires...
You can always buy a set, and return them if you don't use them...
also take a couple of blankets with you with some food and water just in case you do get stuck it might be a while before somebody comes out to get you. Plus if you run your heater while you're stuck and it's snowing, make dang sure every once in awhile you jump out and clean the snow away from your tailpipe. Otherwise you could fumigate yourself and die0 -
I assume you'll be going over Snoqualmie. They will sometimes require chains, in non-AWD or 4WD vehicles. Most of the time it's "traction tires required". An early November departure is a good bet you won't even see traction tires required. If it was late Nov on thru the end of January, then I'd worry.
I travel that pass fairly frequently.
Now, if it's one of the other passes, then the results will vary some.0 -
quote:Originally posted by Brian98579
https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=204-24-050
Note paragraph 1 (a). My Subaru outback with all-weather tires would be exempt, but I would have to carry chains. I don't even know if could get chains for it. You still have to carry a set.
Normally doesn't snow up there until mid-October, or later, and they don't put the chain sign up unless conditions are really bad..
I don't know anyone that has AWD or 4WD that carries chains for Snoqualmie pass, but you are supposed to do that, I guess. It's not like they will stop you for it, though, but if you get into trouble you could be cited, I would imagine. I have used chains on a 4WD pickup that had so-so tires up on Stevens pass, however. Snow was pretty heavy though.0 -
In related news, the tire socks have been approved for use on the passes in WA, and that's good news since they are so simple to put on.
Chains are mostly a bitch, so Smitty if you do decide to get some, I highly recommend the snow socks, or at least the quick fit cable chains that Les Schwab or other places carry.
https://autosock.us/0 -
Thanks for the info guys.
Just to make sure that I'll never need any snow chains I ordered some to take with me.
Just like the generator I bought back in '95 in Jasper, TN when we were having a lot of power outages. After I bought the generator the power never went off again while we lived there. [:D]
These ONORM A50 1550 Diamond Tire Chains, SAE Class S for tight clearances ought to do the trick on my front wheel drive Hyundai Sonata and they were pretty cheap on Amazon at $62.99 with free shipping.
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Traveled many passes in the NW. When it says traction tires required it's one thing, but when it says "chains required" it's a different level, it means that chains are required. If you come upon a sign that says that chains are required, and they have a wide out for you to put them on, use it. Beats the hell out of going on until you spin out and get stuck, and having to either call a hook or cause a traffic jam. Also, run them until you get to an area marked out for chain removal. Safe travels my friend..[:)]
Oh, and btw, have a roll of wire or a set of zip ties for loose ends..0 -
I can imagine all sorts of ways that things could go wrong when installing "snow chains" on one of the late model "pussmobiles". 0 -
Don?t know about cars/pickups but a few states use this as a money maker for trucks. Right now, beginning on Sept 1 we have to carry chains in CO and we do get checked and fined if not on the truck. Oregon also checks for chains, the weigh station on Cabbage has random spot checks and issues fines, if it?s snowing then you ha e to buy from the backwards goober selling them at the weigh station at a 100% markup.
Donnor Pass, they will require chains in 6? of snow, I?ve ridden on iron from Truckee to Gold Run at 20 MPH on near clear roads.
Snowqualmie, I?ve never seen them checking for chains but if they have the signs on and you wipe out without chains you?re in trouble.
I?m glad you mentioned this, I have to go to the barn and drag my chains out, here?s another 6 months of carrying an extra 500# .
Funny, I chained up a bunch last year, not on the highway but in my driveway and a few parking lots. This truck with the auto transmission will get stuck in 1? of snow on flat ground [:(!]0 -
Many years ago we took the ski lift to the top of Mt. Baldy. It started to snow just as we started down & & when we finally got to our car they wouldn't let anyone down without chains. There were a large number of cars that had to spend the night & wait until they plowed the road after daylight. Always pays to have chains or some qualifying device if you are going to be in a situation where that could happen. Since I would likely not ever use them I buy the cheapest that I can find. 0 -
I carry snow chains in my truck and I live in VA. It has been a requirement a few times to get up my road. I carry snow cables in my police car so that I can get home. 0 -
I haven't used chains since the last time we hunted in Montana--22 years ago. 0 -
It's also a good idea to include a gallon jug of sand and a camp shovel. Either or both have helped several times without the hassle of putting on chains. 0
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