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Post by calypso on Dec 22, 2008 18:14:13 GMT -5
I have a friend who is going to Vancouver WA area for Christmas but flights were cancelled. No one could re-book him before Christmas Day so he's thinking of driving up. Checked Oregon DOT site and watched weather.com etc, but really want to know from y'all who live there - how is I-5 from the CA border north? Where is the snow - how bad - where are chains recommended/required (he drives a Subaru)
Thanks!
Caly
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Post by atticus on Dec 22, 2008 21:39:11 GMT -5
Chains are required in the Portland/ Vancouver area right now, we have about 2-3 feet of snow with Ice below.
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Post by toeps on Dec 23, 2008 4:42:11 GMT -5
We just came from Mill Plain Blvd (Vancouver) near PDX on the WA side to home near La Center on I-205 and it was messy but drivable. A Subaru will do just fine, I think if he is comfortable driving in it. I know believe there is still a chains requirement in the Portland metro area. I have no idea what the interstate is like heading south although I've heard it's worse as you go north from here.
They are calling for more snow tonight, rain in the lower elevations by Christmas day and that should make things a huge mess in Vancouver with the ice under all the snow. In Battle Ground and Vancouver there is about a foot to foot and a half depending on where you are and we have prolly a little over 2 ft up in the hills here in La Center at about 850 ft elevation.
There was a couple that had to head east and couldn't get out of PDX so they rented a car, drove to Sacramento and flew out of there.
I personally think he will be alright, Caly. Especially if he knows how to drive and is carrying chains.
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Post by crum on Dec 23, 2008 9:40:17 GMT -5
You may want to have him look at this site www.tripcheck.com/Pages/RCMap.asp?mainNav=RoadConditions&curRegion=14Personally I think the road cameras are one of the most useful things on there but a lot of them aren't updating right now. Which highways are actually closed is useful as well. Unfortunately the biggest problem in this area right now with the roads are the other drivers who aren't familiar with how to drive in these conditions. After 11 years of living in Oregon I'm still just totally amazed when I see tha t in vaguely snowy weather some Oregonians just abandon their cars in the middle of the highways here. |
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Post by crum on Dec 23, 2008 9:41:42 GMT -5
You may want to have him look at this site www.tripcheck.com/Pages/RCMap.asp?mainNav=RoadConditions&curRegion=14Personally I think the road cameras are one of the most useful things on there but a lot of them aren't updating right now. Which highways are actually closed is useful as well. Unfortunately the biggest problem in this area right now with the roads are the other drivers who aren't familiar with how to drive in these conditions. After 11 years of living in Oregon I'm still just totally amazed when I see tha t in vaguely snowy weather some Oregonians just abandon their cars in the middle of the highways here. I should probably point out that the link I posted is specifically for the northwest region but there is the option near the top of the page to select other portions of the state. |
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Post by cutiepiepmu on Dec 23, 2008 10:48:29 GMT -5
if he is renting a vehicle, make sure he askes for chains for the vehicle and also asks for a DEMO on how to make sure that they are PROPERLY installed. I managed a car rental place when I was in collage and this was a really common request. Ask for a 4x4 W/ Chains if possible or worst case something that si front wheel drive for sure.
If he is driving his own vehicle, make sure it is 4x4 or front wheel drive and studded tires on all 4 tires is a VERY good idea. We have a 2007 1 ton dodge truck an we have studded snow tires on all 4 tires and put a full half pallet of bedding pellets in the back and are ok to get around - but, my 1/2 ton truck with the same setup and only 15 bags of pellets can barely get around.
So - traction tires and chains - and you should be fine.
sara
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Post by crum on Dec 23, 2008 11:43:53 GMT -5
In my previous post I missed that he had already looked at the ODOT site. I guess I'm wondering if he has ever driven on snow or ice before. I did note the California part of the post.  If he is say from the midwest or the northeast or somewhere at elevation where he has driven in snow and ice regularly I'd say he should be perfectly fine. If he hasn't I would say he needs to stay home. Otherwise he is just a hazard to himself and others and at Christmas time it would seem like a shame for someone to end up injured or stranded. If he isn't familiar with driving in snow and ice and still decides to make the trip please make sure to suggest to him that he put at least a sleeping bag or blanket in his car as well as some provisions like food and water. Tow truck drivers and such are several hours wait near the portland metro area I was told this morning by a coworker. |
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loopy
Groovy Groom
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Post by loopy on Dec 23, 2008 14:14:26 GMT -5
I'm right by the California border, in Medford, and while it's clear and dry at my parents' house, I think the Siskiyou summit is another story. Also, a friend of mine drove to Roseburg last night and said the freeway was slushy. I think it's supposed to get worse tomorrow, but definitely have your friend bring chains, food, etc. The Siskiyou pass can get pretty horrific this time of year.
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Post by calypso on Dec 23, 2008 19:33:20 GMT -5
Thank you everyone! My friend decided to stay down here in warm (?), sunny (?) California.
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Post by barbpurple on Dec 23, 2008 22:19:13 GMT -5
where is this warm area.. as i am freezing here in the high desert!!!
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Post by icehorse on Dec 23, 2008 22:49:45 GMT -5
Hey loopy, I'm in Hornbrook now, so Medford is only around 40 minutes away...close enough to do a trail ride sometime, when it gets warm, whenever that might be:)
I'm in Northern california high desert
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Post by calypso on Dec 24, 2008 3:19:18 GMT -5
where is this warm area.. as i am freezing here in the high desert!!! LOL! I was being very sarcastic. It's been down to freezing several nights in the past week. I realize 32 degrees is positively balmy to you folks suffering in the PNW, but to us it may as well be Alaska!! We are very close to the SF Bay and normally that keeps the temp extremes at bay (pun intended) but not so much this winter.  |
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loopy
Groovy Groom
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Post by loopy on Dec 24, 2008 17:39:10 GMT -5
Icehorse- a trail ride would be fun!! At the moment, I'm going to grad school in Minnesota, but I will be back this summer in Oregon, and I would love to take you up on your trail ride offer! The barn where my family used to board our horses backed up to a million miles of trails. Unfortunately, though, the people who owned the property that we had to cross to get there sold their land to some folks who've made a vinyard out of it. Sad! But yes- this summer! Trailrides!
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If he is say from the midwest or the northeast or somewhere at elevation where he has driven in snow and ice regularly I'd say he should be perfectly fine. If he hasn't I would say he needs to stay home. Otherwise he is just a hazard to himself and others and at Christmas time it would seem like a shame for someone to end up injured or stranded. If he isn't familiar with driving in snow and ice and still decides to make the trip please make sure to suggest to him that he put at least a sleeping bag or blanket in his car as well as some provisions like food and water. Tow truck drivers and such are several hours wait near the portland metro area I was told this morning by a coworker. 
