Donner Pass - Help?

Some say worse, some say not.

It depends on the weather actually. It can get nasty at either place.

I've seen deeper snow on Donner. But that could be just a "wrong place, wrong time" deal.

Donner work crews are actually better suited to handle the snow, due to CA and their efforts to keep it clear, even in total white out conditions.

Just watch a documentary on the technology that CA has put into Donner. And you'll appreciate where those tax dollars got spent.

I'd give my left ### to have some of the equipment they use in their trucks, on one I was driving.

 

I gotta agree with you there,,, Caltrans keeps crews out 24/7 during . (I've seen plows, graders and the HUGE snowblower, park off the side of the road,)the winter. And when you drive by the Whitmore and Kingvale maint. sheds, you see a 2-3 story building. Thats a dorm for the crews that are resting. Keep them there, so they dont have to drive from home during storms.



Now if Iowa would learn to take care of thier roads during storms. We'd all be happier.

 

Good lord, do I actually hear someone around here saying that California can do something right? Never thought I would here. Usually everyone is moaning at how often Cal Trans is shutting down the roads.

 

There are times that even Caltrans can't kep up with how hard the snow is falling. Best o close the roads, let the storm wear it self out, then get after it.

 

I was lucky went threw Donnors Pass, a few times. Mostly when the wheather was clear. Only once when it had snow on it, and it wasn't bad either. Just pay attention to what your being told my the drivers of have been on it many times. Don't do anyting stupid, and take your time and you should be just fine...

 

I've been over Donner Pass a few times and it is about a 50 mile stretch I believe. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, it's been a while. It is longer than it is steep. I just take it easy and go at a comfortable speed, relax, don't white knuckle and get nervous, and let all the other crazy Rambo drivers fly down it if they want to. I've seen FedEx doubles flying down a steep grade once with all tires on both trailers smoking. Guess what, I drove by him when I got to the bottom and he had to pull over and cool off. Better to be safe and careful than sorry.

 

Since I'm sliding in late on this...I'm sure you made it over with no problem. Donner has a lot of hype but is one of the easier passes out there. There are signs, read them and do as they say and you'll have no trouble. Take you time if it's bad weather no one is going to rush you. Actually Donner is the only pass I know of that is all light up at night.

 

well this is true... but Hey I still see many trucks in a pickle on both sides of the hill because they forget how bad it can and does get on both sides of the hill.
My best advice is drive in your comfort zone and don't let anyone or anything take you out of it. Compared to Vail... about the same at times and worse at others... IMHO Eisenhower, about the same on the west side of Donner, The grade is not as steep and is longer... It all just depends on how the weather is when you hit the hill.

 

Doesn't matter really. Weather will dictate how bad a grade is.


Vail in winter....





NOT Vail.... not Donner either yes thats the road.

 

i see that you R out of socal? i ran out of fresno to utah, colorado. one thing i did, as suggested by others here, check weather b4 u leave. depending upon origin-destination, one can take southern route; I15 to I70, I80.....or vice versa
i'm sure u made it cuz u were given expert advice, imho, i applaud your humility in asking 4 advice.......
says positivity, conscientiousness of u, i think u r good driver, cuz, if we ain't sure.......ask somebody. i have a friend who has a wealth of exprience, i never hesitate 2 ask him ? if i ain't sure, inexperienced, etc
also, want 2 give a "good lookin out" 2 all who responded. It's part of what makes us "professional"...........ya did good