Winter Driving in the Sierra Nevada

Winter driving on roads and highways in the snow capped Sierra Nevada can be a pleasant adventure or it can be frustating, tiring and sometimes even hazardous. The California Department of Transporation provides the following information to help make your mountain driving safe and pleasant.

Winterizing Your Car

• Before heading for snow country make sure your brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, heater and exhaust system are in top condition.
• Check your antifreeze and be ready for colder temperatures. You may want to add special solvent to your windshield washer reservoir to prevent icing.
• Check your tires. Make sure they are properly inflated and the tread is in good condition.
• Always carry chains. Make sure they are the proper size for your tires and are in working order. You might also want to take along a flashlight and chain repair links.
• Other suggested items to carry in your car are an ice scraper or commercial deicer, a broom for brushing snow off your car, a shovel to free your car if it's "snowed in" and sand or burlap for traction if your wheels should become mired in snow.
• It's also a good idea to take along warm blankets and extra clothing. A lengthy delay will make you glad you have them.

Driving Tips

• Allow enough time. Trips to the mountains can take longer during winter than other times of year, especially if you encounter storm conditions or icy roads. Get an early start and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
• Keep your gas tank full. It may be necessary to change routes or turn back during a bad storm or you may be caught in a traffic delay.
• Keep windshield and windows clear. Make sure you can see out of all your windows. You may want to stop at a safe turnout to use a snow brush or scraper. Use the car defroster and a clean cloth to keep the windows free of fog.
• Slow down. A highway speed of 55 miles per hour is safe in dry weather but an invitation for trouble on snow or ice. Snow and ice make stopping distances much longer, so keep your seat belt buckled and leave more distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Bridge decks and shady spots can be icy when other areas are not. Remember to avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes.
• Be more observant. Visibility is often limited in winter by weather conditions. Slow down and watch for other vehicles and for snow removal equipment . . . Even though snow removal vehicles have flashing lights, visibility may be so restricted during a storm that it iS difficult to see the slow-moving equipment.
• When stalled, stay with your vehicle and try to conserve fuel while maintaining warmth. Be alert to any possible exhaust or monoxide problems.

Chain Controls

• You must stop and put on chains when highway signs indicate chains are required. You can be cited by the California Highway Patrol and fined if you don't. You will usually have about a mile between "Chains Required" signs and the check point to install your chains.
• Control areas can change rapidly from place to place because of changing weather and road conditions.
• The speed limit when chains are required is 25 or 30 miles an hour and will be posted along the highway.
• When you must put on chains, wait until you can pull completely offthe roadway to the right. Do not stop in a traffic lane where you will endanger yourself and block traffic.
• Chain Installers: If you use the services of a chain installer, be sure to get a receipt and jot the installer's badge number on it. Remember, chain installers are independent business people, not Caltrans employees. Having the badge number may help with any misunderstandings later. Chain installers are NOT allowed to sell or rent chains.
• When removing chains drive beyond the signs reading "End Chain Control" to pull-off area where you can safely remove them.

About Delays and Closures

• Weather and road conditions change rapidly and may cause a change in chain control points or a closure of the highway. The highway may be open when you leave home, but may close or have chsin controls imposed as you are traveling to your destination.
• Spinouts and accidents happen frequently during storms which may block the roadway for several hours. Heavily traveled routes such as Interstate 80 and U.S. 50 are particularly vulnerable to such closures because of their high traffic volumes.
• Zero visibility caused by high winds and blowing snow is another cause for closing a highway. This happens frequently on Interstate 8O during winter storms.
• Caltrans officials urge you to check road conditions often. To help keep you abreast of changing conditions, Caltrans operates two services: The California Highway Information Network which motorists may telephone - 1-800-427-7623 - for information and the Caltrans Highway Information Broadcast Network, a wire service to subscribing radio and television stations providing up-to-the-minute conditions on California highways. Both networks are updated immediately as conditions change. The Broadcast Network is updated at least hourly and the Information Network every two hours when conditions remain the same.

For more information see the Caltrans Winter Driving Tips page.