Possible to drive from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe right now?

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shocksyde

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Jun 16, 2001
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I'm going to Sacramento for work and might have a free day to do whatever I want. Tahoe is 2 hours away and would be perfect for a day trip. My concern is snow. If I'm in a typical mid-size rental car (no SUV, no 4WD) will I be able to make it? How are the roads around Tahoe this time of year?
 

BoomerD

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Feb 26, 2006
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Should be fine...of course, we're still having storms, so there could be snow and chain requirements at any time.

Cal-Trans generally does a good job keeping the roads clear, but that can always change with the weather.
 

scott916

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Mar 2, 2005
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If the road is open, bring chains and you should be fine. It just started raining here a couple hours ago, so I'm sure there will be plenty of snow in the mountains tonight.
 

helpme

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Feb 6, 2000
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I'm going to Sacramento for work and might have a free day to do whatever I want. Tahoe is 2 hours away and would be perfect for a day trip. My concern is snow. If I'm in a typical mid-size rental car (no SUV, no 4WD) will I be able to make it? How are the roads around Tahoe this time of year?

This is the real time map you want!

http://www2.dot.ca.gov/dist3/projects/chainmap/chain_control_map.pdf

If you see R-2 anywhere, you will need chains on that segment for your 2wd rental car. R-1, you will not (if the rental car has snow tires, CA calls all-season tires snow tires...), but it could become R-2 at anytime if it is snowing!
 

BoomerD

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Feb 26, 2006
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For clarification of "helpme's" post:

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/chcontrl.htm

Types of Chain Controls:

During the winter months, motorists may encounter traction chain controls in the mountain areas within California. When chain controls are established, signs will be posted along the road indicating the type of requirement. There are three requirements in California.

Requirement One (R1): Chains, traction devices or snow tires are required on the drive axle of all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles.

Requirement Two (R2): Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four wheel/ all wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels.
(NOTE: Four wheel/all wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas.)

Requirement Three (R3): Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles, no exceptions.

Snow-tread Tires:

The California vehicle code section 558 defines a snow-tread tire as follows, " A 'Snow-tread tire' is a tire which has a relatively deep and aggressive tread pattern compared with conventional passenger tread pattern". Snow-tread tires can be identified by examining the sidewall of the tire where the letters MS, M/S, M+S or the words MUD AND SNOW have been stamped into the sidewall.

Tire Traction Devices:

The California vehicle code section 605 defines tire traction devices as follows: " Tire Traction Devices are devices or mechanisms having a composition and design capable of improving vehicle traction, braking and cornering ability upon snow or ice-covered surfaces. Tire traction devices shall be constructed and assembled to provide sufficient structural integrity and to prevent accidental detachment from vehicles. Tire traction devices shall, at the time of manufacture or final assembly, bear a permanent impression indicating the name, initials or trademark of the assembling company or primary manufacturer, and the country in which the devices were manufactured or assembled in final form."
 

Kalvin00

Lifer
Jan 11, 2003
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When exactly are you coming?

Basically if it's raining in Sac you can probably bet on chain controls in the Sierra...
 

shocksyde

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Jun 16, 2001
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If I go to Tahoe it would be Tuesday, April 3. Weather.gov currently says sunny and 50 degrees. Wooo!

Thanks for all of the links, everyone. They will come in handy.

This will be my second time in Tahoe. I can't wait to just drive around for a day on my own. So damn beautiful. Bonus: I'll have my uber-expensive camera equipment for work with me.
 
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