From: sml@plato.ds.boeing.com (Stuart Lewis)
Subject: Re: Weather on I-5?
Keywords: Siskiyous, preparedness, planning ahead.
Organization: Boeing Defense & Space Group
Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1992 02:26:59 GMT

In article <1992Dec13.172918.26548@u.washington.edu> tzs@carson.u.washington.edu (Tim Smith) writes:
>What's typical for weather on I-5 over the {Christmas|Solstice} holidays
>between Seattle and, say, Sacramento?  I'm only interested in weather that
>affects driving.
>
>Are there places that tend to get shut down by snow?  If so, how long do
>they stay shut down?  Are there particular times that tend to be bad?
>I know that there are places set up with signs to warn when chains are
>required, so I assume that at least sometimes they are needed, but how
>often does this happen?  Is there anything else I should know before I
>try this (I've only driven this in the spring or summer before -- never
>winter)?
>
>--Tim Smith

This route will take you over the Siskiyou's in Oregon and, although
not a high pass by say Rocky Mt. definitions, it can get that real
wet, heavy, Cascade snow that is every bit as dangerous for driving
conditions.  Snoqualmie is only just over 3,000' and you know (maybe
you don't) how very bad it can get - already claimed 4 lives this
season due to snow factors.  In fact, I'd much rather drive in the
dry, packed Rocky Mt. snow than the wet cement type stuff here.
But, yes, the Siskiyou's can be very severe.

Anyway, do carry chains.  The best deal I've heard is from Les
Schwab - you don't use them, take them back in the spring for a full
refund.  You can't beat that.  Also, practice putting them on in
your driveway first.  Call the Oregon State Police and the
National Weather Service a couple days ahead of time and get
predictions and conditions.  If it's going to be bad, time the trip
so that you spend a night at the base, then tackle the pass fresh
and early the next a.m.  This way, snow removal equipment will have
been working on it all night, and, you'll have daylight to see the
hazards.

Other winter driving tips....  Carry a bag of snacks and food;
sandwiches and the like, and beverages - plan on 2 days worth.
Carry enough blankets for each member in the party, or make sure you
have good warm clothes (I like wool and goose down myself).  If you
have room in the trunk, carry a shovel - even a small folding one -
in case you need to dig out or throw sand under the tires.  If you
have a rear wheel drive car, spend a couple bucks and get a couple
bags of sand (Ernst, Home Base etc). and throw it in the trunk - the
weight (60# ea.) will assist traction and, if you do get stuck, you
have your own sand for the tires.  Also, for a trip like this, every
time you stop for a stretch or food, gas up - even if you still have
1/2 a tank.  If you do get stuck, you will need the gas to stay
warm.  I always top off my tank when it snows.

When driving in snow *always* light on the gas, light on the brakes.
Quadruple your stopping distances.  If you pass somebody, try and be
well ahead of them before changing lanes back - be courteous and not
throw a wall of slush on him which builds up between lanes.  Foot
off the gas and turn into a skid - don't brake, don't oversteer,
resume normal acceleration when recovered.  Don't pace cars next to
you - either pull ahead or drop back.  If they slide guess who's
going to get it.  Same reason to stay back from everybody on all sides -
give yourself a buffer zone.  Always assume that the people around
you have no clue how to drive on snow and ice (here in Seattle,
that's a pretty safe bet!)

One final note.  Make sure everything is up to snuff on your vehicle
- check the oil, coolant, brake & clutch fluids, washer fluid.  Has
it had a recent alignment?  Every little thing can matter in the ice
and snow.  Throw a can of gas dryer in before you go too.  If you
can't get the heat up in a storm, a quick trick is to cover the front
of the radiator with a sheet of cardboard - the pull of the fan
should keep it in place.  Just don't forget to remove it when you
hit the flatland or you might over heat.  If you have bald tires or
very little tread, don't even think of making this trip.  Conversly,
a good set of all season radials can get you through some real bad
conditions.  (I crossed the Blue Mts. in Oregon, and Snoqualmie Pass in
January 1985 on a new set of Arriva's when both were requiring
chains - on the same day.  Never slid once)

Sorry if this is more than nec'y; I got a little carried away.
Driving in the snow and living in the Puget Sound region inflames
serious emotions in this former country boy from Wyoming - there are
just too d*mn many idiots around here who should stay home if they
aren't qualified or are unprepared (generally both) for snow driving.

Hope you have a safe trip and return o.k.

Oh, one last little trick, well, maybe two.  Wrap some food in foil
(sliced meat is nice) and set it on the engine - you can hot
sandwiches when you stop for gas.  For the best weather available,
call the Flight Service Center at Boeing Field and ask how
conditions are in Grants Pass before you go.  Technically, the
service is for pilots, but you know who pays for it - it gripes my
patootie to think about all the information that is gathered by
government agencies (U.S.G.S., National Weather Service, etc) using
our tax dollars, that private outfits now charge you for.

Stuart Lewis
sml@plato.ds.boeing.com

Newsgroups: pnw.general,seattle.general