swabib
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Renton, Wa
First winter season here and I hear a lot about chains. I've lived 5 years in Summit County, Colorado and never needed them, why the hype here. Does it really get that bad?
Thanks
Thanks
The Snow here is often very different hear than anywhere else in the country I am aware of and yes, sometimes chains are necessary.
More importantly there are times when the State Patrol require chains and will stop and check every vehicle on the passes. In the past if you had 4x4 and good all season tires they would only require that you had chains with you. Either way, if you plan to go up in the passes it is best to buy a set of chains if nothing else than you don't drive all the way up there and get turned around by the SP for not carrying them.
Michael
There are instances where the WSP can make a judgement call if the circumstances call for it and require ALL vehicles, even 4WD to chain up. I don't remember what they call it, and I've only ever seen it once, but it's possible.
I know Les Schwab has the chain return thing, not sure who else. Just make sure they are in new, resellable condition, and hang onto your receipt.
Another question while I am on here. Are there any places to backcountry snowboard and hitch rides back to the top? And whats the deal with the 20,000 jeep clubs here, I dont know which one to join, if I need to join one at all.
Wow, thats a lot different than riding in the rockies. Hitching was the way to go as we would line up in makeshift que lines to get a ride back up to the top of the pass. Looks like I will be purchasing lift tickets here.
Thank you,
I heard from someone at work that Seattle does not use salt on the roads, only sand. I guess I need to make it through my first winter here to see what is going on. I guess I am off to buy some chains, I read somewhere that you could return them in spring for a full refund.
Thanks again
I've never heard the one about having to carry chains in a 4x4 with all-season M+S rated tires. I guess I'd better throw my old-school link chains in the back next time I head over the pass.
Steven's, Alpental, and Crystal. The big deal is the WSP in this one, they will give ya a ticket if you get caught hitch hiking.