Just how bad is driving on the Siskiyou Pass in winter??

[ailsagirl]

I'm going on a trip in a few weeks which takes me down to
California-- I've never driven the pass. If I have chains,
should I be OK? (provided traffic is allowed through)

How many miles is the pass, anyway?

Thank you!!

:hi:

[FightingIrish]

1. Use Trip Check and plan ahead

I would recommend using Trip Check

http://167.131.0.179/Pages/RCMap.asp?mainNav=RoadConditions&curRegion=7

This site has road cams and road condition reports. Try to cross in the middle of the day and avoid icy spots. Today the pass is pretty bad and only 4 wheel drive vehicles can pass without chains. If you have any flexibility, try and find a good weather window. I have made the trip four times since November and have not had a problem. If you have to chain up, there are people there to help, for a price.

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

2. I have no idea how many miles the pass is,

but here's a site that can help you get an idea of the weather.

http://www.weather.com/maps/activity/driving/index_large.html?from=rushhourfl

You can change the parameters & look at the weather for the next day or 1 week out.

[pdxbecca]

3. I drive the pass every winter

Usually at Xmas time and it always makes me nervous. This year I went at Thanksgiving and the weather was great. Try and find a clear window for driving and check the ODOT road cams before you leave. The pass is less the 10 mi long but feels much longer in bad weather. If chains are required there will be warning signs on the hwy at about Ashland. In really severe weather they close the pass and you won't be able to get through, so do check the ODOT site before you leave and you should be okay.

[insanity]

4. Never too bad

Bring chains for sure, but the weather has been fairly warm this winter. ODOT does a good job on the Oregon side, and CalTran keeps up the Cal side fairly. I drive it atleast twice a winter two go down to Hilt to pick up cheap booze.

[ailsagirl]

5. Thanks for the input

I wish I could predict the future (weather-wise, anyway)

:)


Those weather web cams are pretty amazing!!

[tmooses]

6. It depends on the type of storms coming through. We've been getting

mostly warmer storms from the south lately and those usually only bring rain to the pass. I agree, though, Trip Check is great.

[ailsagirl]

7. Yes, I am finding that Trip Check is invaluable!!

:)

[skesix1]

8. Re: Siskiyou pass

I drove the pass last winter and went off the road on top of siskiyou pass and I had 4 wheel drive, 5 other vehicles followed my same fate, the curve at the top is diceiving and holds hidden ice so go very slow and stay on the inside lane if ice and snow are present. My son is in Weed this morning and he had to stop last night because of icy roads, he will try and make it through the pass this morning. do not take the trip lightly be prepared just in case, throw a blanket in the car, a candle and some crackers and water at least. Every year people become stranded and if they close the pass while your stranded up there, you need to be prepared, keep your cell phone charged, pay attention to road markers so you know exactly where you are and can call for help if need be. Be safe.

If any one reading this is going over the pass this am be careful and if you see a little white subaru wagon stranded, give him a hand, his mother is waiting and worried about the pass conditions and his safety.

[LWolf]

9. Keep an eye on the weather report.

Take chains, water, food, and a blanket.

It might be fine, or it might be quite icy. A few weeks is a long time.

I don't remember how long it is; it's been some years since I drove over it. I've taken it in winter a few times, and had no problem going slowly and carefully, but put the chains on first.

[Old Codger]

10. if you

Use trip check ahead of time and have chains with you you should be ok, the pass is approximately 18 miles or so..from Ashland to Hilt

[cascadiance]

11. I'm glad I moved to Portland a year ago in November and not December...

Had I waited a few weeks later I would have been driving from California through that snow storm...

Not only that, but the moving van driver was complaining about getting fined for not having chains when he drove through the passes with all of my life belongings. Had he done the same thing a few weeks later, perhaps I'd be missing most of what I owned, and wrestling with insurance companies.