Donner Pass Advice
Nov 27, 2016, 9:28 am
#31
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
Here's a weather tracking station in Soda Springs, just down from Donner Pass, that has a 10 day forecast including snow accumulation. I wouldn't rely on it more than 2-3 days out, but it should give you a good idea what the mountain weather is like as your travel date approaches.
https://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin...=pws:KCASODAS7
https://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin...=pws:KCASODAS7
Nov 27, 2016, 10:49 am
#32
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Programs: FB Silver going for Gold
Posts: 21,794
As said, US 50 and CA 88 headng west/south are narrow, mostly single lane that are pretty windy. US 50 has the advantage of being a main road but can be slow.
Spooner summit (US 50 to Carson) is not a bad alternative (double lane, relatively not as steep) as it is lower elevation than Mt Rose Highway (NV 431) which is single lane and windy. I know/knew both pretty well. I've been able to get to Tahoe via US 50 when NV 431 was impassable (at least for my vehicle).
CA 267 has Brockway summit which is pretty steep on both sides (more so coming up from/going to Truckee). The route between Tahoe City and Truckee is relatively flat as it follows the Truckee river (drainage for Tahoe).
Tahoe is still at ~6,200' ASL so altitude isn't your friend.
Spooner summit (US 50 to Carson) is not a bad alternative (double lane, relatively not as steep) as it is lower elevation than Mt Rose Highway (NV 431) which is single lane and windy. I know/knew both pretty well. I've been able to get to Tahoe via US 50 when NV 431 was impassable (at least for my vehicle).
CA 267 has Brockway summit which is pretty steep on both sides (more so coming up from/going to Truckee). The route between Tahoe City and Truckee is relatively flat as it follows the Truckee river (drainage for Tahoe).
Tahoe is still at ~6,200' ASL so altitude isn't your friend.
Nov 28, 2016, 8:09 am
#34
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Posts: 9,989
The California Zephyr. Once a day in each direction from Reno. Does not stop at Tahoe itself but does stop in Truckee. Often runs behind schedule.
Nov 28, 2016, 8:17 am
#35
Moderator Hilton Honors, Travel News, West, The Suggestion Box, Smoking Lounge & DiningBuzz
Join Date: Jun 2000
Programs: Honors Diamond, Hertz Presidents Circle, National Exec Elite
Posts: 36,018
It's indeed a beautiful train ride, but don't make any previous or onward plans based on the train being on time.
Nov 28, 2016, 11:10 am
#36
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SEA/YVR/BLI
Programs: UA "Lifetime" Gold, AS MVPG100K, OW Emerald, HH Lifetime Diamond, IC Plat, Marriott Gold, Hertz Gold
Posts: 9,488
I went back and looked it up. That occurred in April 2012 and this is what I wrote in our travel blog:
As we climbed out of Sacramento on our way up toward Donner Summit and Reno on the other side, the rain turned to fresh snow and we sat for four hours as a work-train with a plow cleared the track. Great scenery but four hours is a long enough time to wait. Last year, there was a 24-hour delay and there's a long history of challenges and problems for rail and other travelers in this area.
Last edited by Fredd; Nov 28, 2016 at 4:12 pm
Nov 28, 2016, 2:37 pm
#37
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Paradise
Posts: 1,617
https://www.amtrak.com/ccurl/836/828...ule-011116.pdf
The California Zephyr. Once a day in each direction from Reno. Does not stop at Tahoe itself but does stop in Truckee. Often runs behind schedule.
The California Zephyr. Once a day in each direction from Reno. Does not stop at Tahoe itself but does stop in Truckee. Often runs behind schedule.
My plans are fluid to account for any weather. I'm just thinking of a viable alternative to driving.
Nov 28, 2016, 5:01 pm
#38
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
AMTRAK runs buses in addition to the daily train service. Even Megabus has service from Reno, though you'd have to look at their destinations and see if they match where you want to go.
Chain controls were up again this morning but are not in effect this afternoon. Weather for the next week looks mostly clear, but I see you're not traveling in the next week.
Chain controls were up again this morning but are not in effect this afternoon. Weather for the next week looks mostly clear, but I see you're not traveling in the next week.
Nov 28, 2016, 7:59 pm
#39
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Paradise
Posts: 1,617
AMTRAK runs buses in addition to the daily train service. Even Megabus has service from Reno, though you'd have to look at their destinations and see if they match where you want to go.
Chain controls were up again this morning but are not in effect this afternoon. Weather for the next week looks mostly clear, but I see you're not traveling in the next week.
Chain controls were up again this morning but are not in effect this afternoon. Weather for the next week looks mostly clear, but I see you're not traveling in the next week.
I've heard about Greyhound, Megabus etc; but not sure how restless I would get sitting next to someone for hours on end in a bus. The train has Roomliners, so if I end up using it, I'll get one of those for the comfort and space.
So my plans are since I do want to enjoy the scenery,
Rental Car - Decent Weather
Amtrak Train - Snowy Weather
Plane Ticket - Refundable, as a last resort to get out of the Reno area.
Nov 28, 2016, 11:46 pm
#40
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: WN A+ CP, UA 1MM/*A Gold, Mar LT Tit, IHG Plat, HH Dia
Posts: 6,284
Two thoughts, Yellowjj:
1) Carefully monitoring the weather forecasts now, 10 days before your trip, is not productive. The weather patterns that align to form a) precipitation and b) cold enough weather for it fall as snow develop in the space of a day or two. I suggest you give it a rest for now and start paying careful attention on Dec 6 or 7.
2) Understand that chain restrictions and closures on the major roads (such as I-80) are temporary. Generally speaking they happen when a strong storm drops snow faster than crews can clear it. Once crews catch up the restrictions are removed. And the crews are good. They will clear it fast. Thus a reasonable "Plan B" in the case of road closures is to wait it out a half day or a full day. Definitely consider that alternative if you have the schedule flexibility to accommodate it.
1) Carefully monitoring the weather forecasts now, 10 days before your trip, is not productive. The weather patterns that align to form a) precipitation and b) cold enough weather for it fall as snow develop in the space of a day or two. I suggest you give it a rest for now and start paying careful attention on Dec 6 or 7.
2) Understand that chain restrictions and closures on the major roads (such as I-80) are temporary. Generally speaking they happen when a strong storm drops snow faster than crews can clear it. Once crews catch up the restrictions are removed. And the crews are good. They will clear it fast. Thus a reasonable "Plan B" in the case of road closures is to wait it out a half day or a full day. Definitely consider that alternative if you have the schedule flexibility to accommodate it.
Nov 30, 2016, 11:17 am
#41
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,599
2) Understand that chain restrictions and closures on the major roads (such as I-80) are temporary. Generally speaking they happen when a strong storm drops snow faster than crews can clear it. Once crews catch up the restrictions are removed. And the crews are good. They will clear it fast. Thus a reasonable "Plan B" in the case of road closures is to wait it out a half day or a full day. Definitely consider that alternative if you have the schedule flexibility to accommodate it.
And to keep the post as "two thoughts,"
1) I hope your plane ticket is RNO/OAK. If the weather is bad, and you have an SFO flight on UA's finest luxury jet (which is all you get RNO/SFO), your flight will be one of the most likely to cancel. This morning, with just overcast and a light sprinkle in places, two of the AM RNO/SFO flights have already suffered delays.
Nov 30, 2016, 1:33 pm
#42
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Maui, HI
Posts: 170
FYI, vehicles traveling in the mountains in CA must carry chains between November and April, even if the weather is clear. I've never known anyone that was cited for not carrying chains when chains weren't required, but it is the law. You could get a fine or the CHP could decide your car needed to be towed out of the area. Both very unlikely, but you should know.
Dec 1, 2016, 12:15 am
#43
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,353
FYI, vehicles traveling in the mountains in CA must carry chains between November and April, even if the weather is clear. I've never known anyone that was cited for not carrying chains when chains weren't required, but it is the law. You could get a fine or the CHP could decide your car needed to be towed out of the area. Both very unlikely, but you should know.
But if there's no chain control in place, regardless of time of year, you are not required to carry chains to cross I-80 etc.
Dec 1, 2016, 3:30 pm
#44
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Paradise
Posts: 1,617
Exactly. Unless there's some severe storm, this is the case. There are worse places to be stuck than Sacramento or Reno for a day.
And to keep the post as "two thoughts,"
1) I hope your plane ticket is RNO/OAK. If the weather is bad, and you have an SFO flight on UA's finest luxury jet (which is all you get RNO/SFO), your flight will be one of the most likely to cancel. This morning, with just overcast and a light sprinkle in places, two of the AM RNO/SFO flights have already suffered delays.
And to keep the post as "two thoughts,"
1) I hope your plane ticket is RNO/OAK. If the weather is bad, and you have an SFO flight on UA's finest luxury jet (which is all you get RNO/SFO), your flight will be one of the most likely to cancel. This morning, with just overcast and a light sprinkle in places, two of the AM RNO/SFO flights have already suffered delays.
It's RNO/LAX on Eagle's E-Jet. I avoid the CRJ2 like the plague so SFO was out as a option thanks to UA overuse of them. Probably a good idea considering the fog the bay area gets.
Two thoughts, Yellowjj:
1) Carefully monitoring the weather forecasts now, 10 days before your trip, is not productive. The weather patterns that align to form a) precipitation and b) cold enough weather for it fall as snow develop in the space of a day or two. I suggest you give it a rest for now and start paying careful attention on Dec 6 or 7.
2) Understand that chain restrictions and closures on the major roads (such as I-80) are temporary. Generally speaking they happen when a strong storm drops snow faster than crews can clear it. Once crews catch up the restrictions are removed. And the crews are good. They will clear it fast. Thus a reasonable "Plan B" in the case of road closures is to wait it out a half day or a full day. Definitely consider that alternative if you have the schedule flexibility to accommodate it.
1) Carefully monitoring the weather forecasts now, 10 days before your trip, is not productive. The weather patterns that align to form a) precipitation and b) cold enough weather for it fall as snow develop in the space of a day or two. I suggest you give it a rest for now and start paying careful attention on Dec 6 or 7.
2) Understand that chain restrictions and closures on the major roads (such as I-80) are temporary. Generally speaking they happen when a strong storm drops snow faster than crews can clear it. Once crews catch up the restrictions are removed. And the crews are good. They will clear it fast. Thus a reasonable "Plan B" in the case of road closures is to wait it out a half day or a full day. Definitely consider that alternative if you have the schedule flexibility to accommodate it.
Dec 9, 2016, 1:26 pm
#45
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,599