Donner Pass - Help?

I have been over Donner a hundred times, but today was the worst ever. It was bumper cars from the top to bottom. Cal Trans apparently was un aware that a storm was coming. Never saw a plow all the way into Calif and it was snowing hard from Truckee to Colfax. Just had to slow down and stay away from the cars and the Fed X Joints. Its shut down in both directions tonight.

 

I've been over Donner a few times,once during a storm. I was lucky didn't have to chain up,but I went slow. I heard after I got to Reno Caltrans put the chain law into effect.

 

according to caltrans website there was an accident eastbound that caused the bumper to bumper traffic which lasted for hours . I was watching it on the caltrans webcams.

 

I can't imagine why everyone is so concerned about chaining up. I've chained up dozens of times in my short career. It is not that difficult.

Winter driving isn't that tough either. I live it 6 months of the year. Just take it easy and try to keep calm and you'll make out just fine.

If you do need to chain up, take as much time as it takes to put them on properly. It used to take me a good half hour to throw a set of triples on and now I have cut that time down to 10-15 minutes depending on conditions. I will take as much time as I need to make sure my chains are on properly before I turn a wheel.

Always remember that you are ultimately responsible for your safety. No load is so important that it is worth losing your life over. Don't feel bad if there are super truckers blowing by you left right and center. Chances are they'll be wheel side up soon down the road anyway.