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Permalink Reply by Scott Sandler on November 8, 2010 at 5:28pm

Hey Brendan,

Not sure about I-80 at all, but I will also be heading to Deer Valley for the winter. What position are you working? Also, I am not sure which dorms I will choose. The ones that are further out of town seem nice, and they have a stove top which is cool. Hope to see you out there :)

Scott

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Permalink Reply by Brendan on November 10, 2010 at 5:02am

I recently received an e-mail with my housing assignment...didn't get to choose, but I hear all the housing is good. I'm going to be working as a baker at the Snow Park Bakery.

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Permalink Reply by Scott Sandler on November 10, 2010 at 8:47am

Oh awesome man,

I'll be sure to stop by then :)

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Permalink Reply by Kathi on November 8, 2010 at 6:55pm

Hey Brendan,

It really could go either way - could be dry as a bone or a blizzard. You just never know. If you can't afford snow tires, maybe pick up a used pair of chains. I've driven 80 a bunch - some wide open country across WY before you get into UT. If it's stormy, that makes for windy conditions and bad visibility. But it could be bright sun and dry. Just check the forecast before you hit the road. You just never know about the weather.

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Permalink Reply by Brendan on November 10, 2010 at 5:18am

Tire chains haven't been allowed on Chicago roads since the 1960s due to all the road dammage from them....so it's not easy to find them around here. I'm familiar with the I-80 winds (yep, in Wyoming), especially since I have a tall vehicle...replaced all four shocks a year ago, which makes driving through the high winds a lot easier now. Someone once told me that there is something called beads that you can put on your tires....similar to chains but considerably smaller and innocuous....wondering how effective those are? Thanks for your thoughts Kathi.

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Permalink Reply by TessaSpence on November 13, 2010 at 9:35am

I've traveled on I-80 through Wyoming and half of Nebraska several times, once was right around Thanksgiving and another time was just before Christmas; Laramie is the only spot that's ever given me serious worry. (I won't mention Kansas, since it's not on I-80 :) My front windshield is currently sporting *two* cracks courtesy of Wyoming, and the last one was picked up in Laramie, so it's really not my favorite. I have also encountered fog in that area, at noon, but I digress...

As for road closures, it's only happened once to me, on I-80 westbound, Cheyenne to Laramie, when there was over 2' of snowfall one night. I don't really know what the "rules" are governing closures, but there are some great webcams out there that will give you an idea of what's going on."http://www.wyoming.gov/i-80.aspx" It's a huge help to have someone back home keeping an eye on the weather for your route for you! Remember, black ice and "slick in spots" are the biggest hazards, for you and the other drivers.

Having said all that, I've made it through just fine; once in a pickup, other times in a car, all without snow tires, chains, or all-wheel drive. Just puny little rear-wheel drive, and a lot of patience! Go slow, be alert, and you should be fine. If the other drivers are crowding you, don't hesitate to turn on your hazard lights - truck drivers use it, you can too, b/c it's a good tool for communicating with those other drivers. I hope you have a safe trip, and a great season at Deer Valley! :)

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