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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 |
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. |
Just had a idea this morning. Isn't there some sort of Amtrak service from Reno across the Sierra's? I assume the train runs during inclement weather? Might be a viable idea to driving.
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Originally Posted by Yellowjj
(Post 27536029)
Just had a idea this morning. Isn't there some sort of Amtrak service from Reno across the Sierra's? I assume the train runs during inclement weather? Might be a viable idea to driving.
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. |
It's indeed a beautiful train ride, but don't make any previous or onward plans based on the train being on time.
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Originally Posted by cblaisd
(Post 27536083)
It's indeed a beautiful train ride, but don't make any previous or onward plans based on the train being on time.
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. |
Originally Posted by amanuensis
(Post 27536056)
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.
Originally Posted by cblaisd
(Post 27536083)
It's indeed a beautiful train ride, but don't make any previous or onward plans based on the train being on time.
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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. |
Originally Posted by tom911
(Post 27538442)
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. 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. |
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. |
Originally Posted by darthbimmer
(Post 27539635)
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. |
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.
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Originally Posted by wanna go now
(Post 27547811)
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. |
Originally Posted by Eastbay1K
(Post 27547157)
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. 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.
Originally Posted by darthbimmer
(Post 27539635)
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. |
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