Seattle Chains Where?

[Woodenhead]

I'm flying in to Seattle on Dec. 29th to start the second leg of our project at the Summer Falls Generating Station. My plane comes in at about 9PM then I have to pick up a rental Pherd Expedition and start heading to Ephrata (through Snoqualmie pass). My only fear is that when I start into the pass I may get burned for not carrying chains. I understand you aren't required to carry chains at all times just when conditions make it necessary (correct?). Can someone out there please tell me if there's somewhere near the airport where I'd be able to buy chains after 9:00PM. I'd rather get this figured out now instead of worrying about figuring it out when I get there. I called the car rental company to see if they'd help but no can do. I'd buy chains here and send em on the plain but they're not easy to find around here and I've got enough luggage as it is.



Regards

Mike

 

[pnwradar]

According to the WA State DOT web page, only commercial trucks over a certain weight are required to carry chains on the major passes, including Snoqualmie. Passenger cars are not required to carry chains. WSDOT Winter Driving



Even though it's not required, it's a good idea to have them onboard, as when conditions warrant, the State Patrol will restrict pass travel to chained-up vehicles only (but it's really gotta be bad). Example, tonight it was coming down really hard, so they closed the pass Westbound for a few hours, but Westbound cars had to have all-season tires. WA Mountain Pass Report



If the car rental agency won't provide them (most won't), make sure they will allow you to use your own chains. If they allow it, most tire places will buy them back if you haven't used them -- but I don't know of any that'd be open that late. Worst case, I can buy some for you at the local Les Schwab, and you can pick them up on your way up the pass.



If it were me, if there's enough snow that you need to chain up, I'd get a hotel room in Issaquah, and wait until daytime to drive over, after the plows have it under control. Not because I worry about my driving, but I do worry about most of the these local flatlanders' winter skills.



-jon-

 

[DEZLPWR]

Is the Expedition 4wd?

If it is, I wouldn't worry about it. I-90 is a great road to eastern WA.

 

[illflem]

I've been over Snoqualmie Pass hundreds of times in the winter and lived in eastern Washington for 25 years without chaining up once even with 2WD. The pass will sometimes get closed down for avalanche control for a few hours at a time though. The pass is only a little less than 4000 ft. The main problem I've had on I-90 is that in Eastern WA the snow is so powdered and semis don't slow down at all, this can cause near whiteout conditions from the snow they kick up even when it's not snowing especally at night. Here's the best pass report I've ever seen. http://www.atmos.washington.edu/maciver/roadview/i90/

 

[Woodenhead]

Thanks

Thanks for the info guys. The Expedition is a 4x4, I made sure of that. The rental company did say that if I used chains I use them at my own risk, not a problem. I guess bottom line is I shouldn't have to worry about chains since chances are I won't need em anyway and if I do need em I'd be better off holing up for the night. Once I start traveling I hate stopping till I get there but I guess it's better than not getting there at all. Can't wait to get back to Washington, beautiful country out there.



Thanks Again

Mike