y_p_w
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Originally Posted By: raytseng
Originally Posted By: UG_Passat
the other question is... how often does Caltrans really have the R3 condition? I heard it's not too often, so get snow tires and carry a set of cheap chains (for the R2 check).
If it's R3 condition... probably best not to drive.
There will never be R3 on the main touristy highways around tahoe. Especially 80 is an interstate, so it is a "national security" interest to be kept properly open. So they'll close it first before risking a crash that will shut it down completely and not by choice. 50 is also but i think of a 2nd priority.
R1 is also never on 80/50. If it is dangerous they'll jump right to R2. R1 will be declared on the smaller roads that aren't always controlled, but left to driver judgement. Often it can just be a sign that says when flashing put on chains, but really left to you.
I've encountered chain conditions on 80 and 50, as well as 89 between South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City. I mentioned 89 as a headscratcher since there was almost no snow except a few patches. On that drive I saw one set of cables that had come off a wheel and I had to swerve around it. I'm guessing they caused a lot of damage while they were working loose. All of these had a Caltrans worker manning the checkpoint.
The only other chain checkpoint I've seen was in Yosemite along the length of Wawona Road. As I entered, there was a law enforcement ranger checking chains with his patrol SUV parked to the side. He was polite and professional, but he did sort of have a no-nonsense approach. In Yosemite you can find the chain conditions posted at most of the hotel lobbies. I remember Glacier Point Road to Badger Pass was usually listed as R1 in winter, even though there was more snow than I've seen for some R2 declarations. However, it was R1 when Wawona Road was R2, so there was no way to get there without passing a chain checkpoint. I also remember when Glacier Point Road was R1 but Wawona Road had no chain conditions.
The issue I have is that I know I probably won't have to chain up, but I'm worried about getting stuck or losing control because my tires may be inadequate. I'm wondering why California hasn't modified the chain rules for dedicated winter tires.
Originally Posted By: UG_Passat
the other question is... how often does Caltrans really have the R3 condition? I heard it's not too often, so get snow tires and carry a set of cheap chains (for the R2 check).
If it's R3 condition... probably best not to drive.
There will never be R3 on the main touristy highways around tahoe. Especially 80 is an interstate, so it is a "national security" interest to be kept properly open. So they'll close it first before risking a crash that will shut it down completely and not by choice. 50 is also but i think of a 2nd priority.
R1 is also never on 80/50. If it is dangerous they'll jump right to R2. R1 will be declared on the smaller roads that aren't always controlled, but left to driver judgement. Often it can just be a sign that says when flashing put on chains, but really left to you.
I've encountered chain conditions on 80 and 50, as well as 89 between South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City. I mentioned 89 as a headscratcher since there was almost no snow except a few patches. On that drive I saw one set of cables that had come off a wheel and I had to swerve around it. I'm guessing they caused a lot of damage while they were working loose. All of these had a Caltrans worker manning the checkpoint.
The only other chain checkpoint I've seen was in Yosemite along the length of Wawona Road. As I entered, there was a law enforcement ranger checking chains with his patrol SUV parked to the side. He was polite and professional, but he did sort of have a no-nonsense approach. In Yosemite you can find the chain conditions posted at most of the hotel lobbies. I remember Glacier Point Road to Badger Pass was usually listed as R1 in winter, even though there was more snow than I've seen for some R2 declarations. However, it was R1 when Wawona Road was R2, so there was no way to get there without passing a chain checkpoint. I also remember when Glacier Point Road was R1 but Wawona Road had no chain conditions.
The issue I have is that I know I probably won't have to chain up, but I'm worried about getting stuck or losing control because my tires may be inadequate. I'm wondering why California hasn't modified the chain rules for dedicated winter tires.