REVscene - Vancouver Automotive Forum

Paradox · 01-16-2009, 09:23 PM

i'd like to know what the road conditions were like on the highways. the weather network says there are some slippery sections, but that could mean anything. they are always so vague.

my grandpa is very sick and i may have to drive out there in the next few days in a 240sx on all season tires. figure i should start thinking about winter tires or just pick up some chains for the trip?

misteranswer · 01-16-2009, 09:26 PM

fly

keifun · 01-16-2009, 09:32 PM

I wouldn't dare to drive out to calgary in this weather..you'll be up in high mountain conditions..roads may be covered in snow and severe snowstorm can hit there at anytime.

not to mention the highways could be closed too..

Take the plane..much safer.

penner2k · 01-16-2009, 11:05 PM

Winter tires for sure. And even then I would say fly.
I did that trip with my parents a couple weeks ago and even with winter tires and 4x4 we almost lost it once.

Also no point in asking about road conditions. If you would leave tomorrow morning you look tomorrow to see what the conditions are like. They can change from hour to our this time of year.

ssonss1 · 01-16-2009, 11:08 PM

flying out there next week...59$ each way

Paradox · 01-16-2009, 11:25 PM

i have to make a few stops on the way, so flying isn't the best option.

i guess i'll just start looking for some good snow tires. i know the 240 isn't great in the snow, but it isn't lowered and i've felt safer, atleast more in control of it in ice/snow than i have with a gmc 4x4.

ride98 · 01-16-2009, 11:50 PM

way cheaper to fly but if you're going to have to stop then I would suggest renting a suv?

CanadaGoose · 01-17-2009, 12:00 AM

It's not even that...sometimes the roads may be CLOSED and you will be forced to turn back. making that trip during the winter is ballsy

greyhound busses were getting cancelled and delayed last week due to road conditions.

you also realise there will be long stretches in the mountains where you will have no cellphone reception? Even during the summer, I sometimes get paranoid and start thinking what if i crashed and flew off the road into the forest, would anyone find me?

anyways, here's some sites i use to keep track of what the roads are like. Rogers pass is the highest point and usually worst conditions. In and around Golden has very treacherous mountain areas. Be safe

http://www.ama.ab.ca/road_report/Route.htm

http://images.drivebc.ca/bchighwaycam/pages/index.html

http://www.highwayconditions.com/

http://www.drivebc.ca/map.jsp?distri...0&showAll=true

http://www.drivebc.ca/map.jsp?mapId=...chkbxCamera=on

Paradox · 01-17-2009, 02:02 AM

^ i would protect you in prison.

StewartJD · 01-17-2009, 09:30 AM

I really would avoid the drive at all costs. I've driven up a few times in the past years with family and its so variable its crazy. Sometimes it could be totally fine, other times you can't see more than 5 meters in front of you.

If you do go, get both winter tires and chains. If you've never put chains on before, practice before you leave. It can be a pain, especially in the snow. Bring a shovel.

The drive is not as easy as people like to think it is. You most likely will be one of the only cars on the road (especially in coupe form). I drove to Saskatoon last April, and i hit heavy snow driving into Calgary at night around banff. Could barely see. The area right after Golden is also quite bad.

I just read my post over and it sounds pretty harsh, but the first time i did the drive in my Probe with that weather everyone told me all this, but i thought it would be fine. I made it safely, but it's something i wouldn't repeat again.

I guess one last tip, maybe avoid the Coq (Hwy 5) and just take Hwy 1 to Kamloops through Cache Creek.

I hope your Grandpa gets better!