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March 2012, Week 5

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Subject:
West coast passes (was Re: Crystal Mountain, WA Mar 29-Apr 2)
From:
David Guertin <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Vermont Skiing Discussion and Snow Reports <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:59:38 -0400
Content-Type:
text/plain
Parts/Attachments:
text/plain (40 lines) 
Many years ago, back when we lived in Colorado, Diane and I were driving 
from the Central Valley in California to the LA area, over the Grapevine 
through Tejon Pass on I-5. When we got to the base of the pass, we found 
the interstate was completely closed due to snow. Not chains or AWD 
required, just closed, with gates across the freeway. We were told that 
the California Highway Patrol would begin escorting cars over the pass 
at dawn. We were stuck in the traffic, so we spent the night in the car, 
parked in the road along with hundreds of other vehicles.

In the morning, we joined the 20 MPH parade over the pass, behind the 
CHP cruiser with lights flashing. At the top of the pass, we found all 
of two inches of snow coating the roadside, maybe less than an inch of 
patchy snow on the roadway. Knowing southern California drivers, I can't 
fault the CHP for overreacting, but sheesh, I was hoping for some kind 
of exemption for an experienced snow driver in a Colorado car with snow 
tires and chains.

Dave G.

On 2012-03-29 08:57, David Merfeld wrote:
> We ski in OR a couple of times a year (Hoodoo&  Ashland).  Our first stop, after picking up the rental car, is to buy chains at Wal-Mart that fit the vehicle.  As long as you keep the receipt, and don't open the box, you can return them within 30 days.  So, our last stop, on the way back to the airport, is to return the chains.
> You are right about not actually needing them.  We just have to "carry" them.
> So far, we have only really needed them once, and the snow was so good we forgot about the expense.
> A couple of years ago, the PNW was totally closed to air traffic, and we had to drive from SF.  When we got to Grants Pass, on I-5, the highway patrol was turning around anyone without 4WD or chains.
>
> Me:  We are from New England, and know how to drive a FWD car in snow.
> Him:  Sorry, but I cannot let you go unless you have chains, or you **tell** me<nudge, nudge, wink , wink>  you have 4WD
> Me:  Oh, did I say we had FWD?  My mistake; **this** car has 4WD.
> Him:  All right, then.  You can go.
>
> And away we went.
>
> David
>

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