Idaho chain law

Section 49-948 – Idaho State Legislature

(6) Provided that the conditions in subsection (5) of this section are met, the chain requirement shall be met by chaining a minimum of one (1) tire on each side of:
(a) One (1) drive axle, regardless of the number of drive axles; and
(b) One (1) axle at or near the rear of each towed vehicle. Such axle shall not include a variable load suspension axle or an axle of a converter dolly.

 

I've not known ID or MT to be too particular about how many tires have chains but if it's snowing bad, Lookout Pass might be a problem if you don't chain up 4 drive tires and if it's bad enough, they may be doing clearance inspections. The western slope of Lookout (going east) has got some sections steeper then 6%

If you can go today (saturday), go because it does't look like Sunday which offer much relief either. If it's putting down more than about 2 inches per hour (as it looks to be), even if on and off, they will not be able to keep it cleared very well until the disturbance finally moves out and there's not a lot of upper level action going on in the PacNW presently to move these disturbances out very quickly.

But realize, western and central MT, and on to Billings isn't going to be easy Sunday, either so I guess it just depends on your particular circumstance what you gotta do and if you're parked in a comfortable spot and the load is not terribly critical, many who are east bound will sit until Monday it looks like..

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WPC Probabilistic Winter Precipitation Guidance

 

You'll only need the minimum by law.

 

I was almost going to post a thread on this particular system yesterday but decided not to. It seemed to be a bit more serious than typical but we are into February and this tends to happen. It's all about timing and luck who get affected by it and who doesn't.

Winter Storm Warning
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Spokane WA
910 AM PST Sat Feb 17 2018

...Moderate to heavy snow expected today and Sunday over portions
of the Inland Northwest...

A strong and wetter storm system will bring snow at times through
Sunday. Heavy snow accumulations will occur in the mountains and
valleys of northeast and north- central Washington and over much
of the Idaho Panhandle. At times, this snow will be accompanied by
strong winds over the mountains.

IDZ004-180115-
/O.CON.KOTX.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-180219T0600Z/
Central Panhandle Mountains-
Including the following locations Kellogg, Pinehurst, Osburn,
Wallace, Mullan, Fourth of July Pass, Dobson Pass,
and Lookout Pass
910 AM PST Sat Feb 17 2018

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM PST
SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 8 to
16 inches, with mountain accumulations of 2 to 3 feet is
expected.

* WHERE...Kellogg, Pinehurst, Osburn, Wallace, Mullan, Fourth of
July Pass, Dobson Pass, and Lookout Pass.

* WHEN...Until 6 PM PST Sunday.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Travel will be very difficult to
impossible. Tree branches could fall. Winds gusting as high as
45 mph will cause patchy blowing and drifting snow. Plan on
slippery road conditions, including during the evening
commute. Be prepared for reduced visibilities at times.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather
conditions will make travel very hazardous or impossible. If you
must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your
vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for
the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

 

The weather system might be out by then, but until they get at least 1 full day of sunshine [after they've had time to plow the excess good], the roads will remain covered with some form of frozen matter. In February across Montana, sunshine hours are hit and miss in many parts.

 

I don't know if anyone else feels as I do... but I've had enough of winter this year.
I'm getting sucker punched every trip.
It's Sat evening and I'm in TN already headed west for my bi-monthly PACNW trip.

I90 gonna be fun again, I see.

Forecast from Sioux Falls to Billings on Monday kind of looks "light" but it's that 25mph wind from the NW that makes it a load of fun.

Come on Spring.

 

I went over 4th and Lookout on the way back from Prosser, WA today about 1pm. Was pretty bad. Anyone who decided to not use chains should be beaten severely.

If your planning on camping out in western MT be aware it’s going to be double digits below zero tomorrow night through Tuesday.