Re: Seattle to San Francisco in December

In article <t6stl39d6lotecns3pmclo2j1a2hp1dumd@xxxxxxx>,
Hatunen <hatunen@xxxxxxx> wrote:
On Tue, 11 Dec 2007 09:08:47 -0800 (PST), PeterL
<po.ning@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
On Dec 11, 8:37 am, "Littlefoot" <u39811@uwe> wrote:
I will be taking a road trip on December 21st from Seattle to San
Francisco with my 2 friends. I've never driven in the snow before and I'm
very very nervous. I've already bought chains and I've practiced putting them
on in my driveway many times. Has anyone made this drive in December? What
should I expect? I'll be driving a Toyota Corolla (Manual Transmission). How
long should this drive take in the snow? I've made the trip before but it was
in July. I'm planning on staying the night somewhere in OR.

Stay on the main route (I-5) and drive during the day. I don't know
what to expect except of course rain. There may well be snow, esp.
near the OR and CA border. I doubt that you'll need chain, but a good
all weather set of tires should be helpful.

Most of I-5 from Seattle to San Francisco is generally snow free,
except where it gains elevation at the Oregon-California border.

Beware just N of Grants Pass.
It's serious enough there tht OR DOT has installed an automated weather
station.

But it doesn't climb as high as, say, the Donner Pass into Nevada
where chains are a common winter requirement.

Latitude makes up for elevation.

One friend who grew up in Portland was once stranded for 3 days between
Yreka and Ashland (some time in the 90s).

Tire chains are your friends. 4WD can help but a brain is more important.

I don't think the more or less coastal US-101 goes anywhere near
snow.

Only if briefly for a cold snap.

Even without snow you can anticipate a good chance for some
really crummmy weather. Winter storms come in off the Pacific
with roughly weekly regularity, with heavy rains and high winds.
On the other hand you could hit the in-betweens with very nice
weather all the way.

One could have a nice view of Mt. Shasta and some of the other cascades.

--
.

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