The Valley can experience mountain snow storms blanketing us up to three feet of snow. Winter-time high temperatures average in the 40’s during the day allowing a full day of snowboarding, skiing and other activities.

Prior to leaving for the mountains, check you car and make sure the brakes are fine and the heater works. Check our nightly low temperatures. There are time when anti-freeze is required. Please load a set of chains in the back of the car. They are required in the winter. Be prepared to install chains in snowy weather, on the car’s drive wheels.

We think a cup of coffee is indespensible, but you may find an ice scrapper more useful, especially on colder mornings. If you are coming up for the snow, throw an extra blanket in the back and consider a heavy bag of sand or salt for traction.

You can get updated Caltrans road conditions on your cell phone by dialing 1-800-427-7623 (ROAD). This service is free from any touch-tone phone, cell phone or pay phone. It provides information regarding the California State Highway System, covering significant events. Caltrans also provides up-to-date highway information on the Internet at the following address:
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo.

Chain Controls

R1: Chains or snow tread tires required. Snow tires must have a tread depth of 6/32" with a " M&S" imprint on the tire's sidewall.

R2: Chains are required on all vehicles except four wheel drives or all-wheel drives with snow tread tires on all four wheels.

R3: Chains are required - all vehicles with no exceptions!

R1 and R2 are the most common chain controls. The highway will usually be closed before an R-3 control is imposed.
Cable type chains are approved in California when used per the proper application. However, during extreme conditions, large trucks using cable chains may be held until conditions permit safe travel.

Abrasives, such as sand or volcanic cinders, are spread in order to provide better vehicle traction. In some areas salt is applied separately from abrasives in order to better control the application rate. This has proven to significantly reduce the amount of salt used.

Keep your fuel tank full. If may be necessary to change routes or turn back during a bad storm. You may also be in for a long delay if bad weather forces a highway closure.