I'd love to, thanks for the invite, but gotta take care of the wife who is a bit under the weather so she can join me tomorrow

But I did sneak out and take a poser shot

 

Ummmm.. This might be a very newbie question, so don't laugh.
Will I need chains??

 

That's a great pic

 

If you're asking about road conditions and the requirements then generally you're covered if you have 4WD, which you do, and snow rated tires, which you also have. As far as the trail goes, no. Now technically, you're still supposed to have a set with you, but over the past 20 years, I have never been stopped and checked for any.

When you're ready to head up, check:
http://www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roadscell.cgi

This highway information is the latest reported as of Friday, April 13, 2012 at 19:10 .

SR 330
[IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA]
CHAINS ARE REQUIRED ON ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT 4-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLES WITH
SNOW TIRES ON ALL 4 WHEELS FROM 4 MI NORTH OF CITY CREEK RANGER STATION TO
RUNNING SPRINGS (SAN BERNARDINO CO)

SR 38
[IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA]
CHAINS ARE REQUIRED ON ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT 4-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLES WITH
SNOW TIRES ON ALL 4 WHEELS FROM 1.7 MI WEST OF FOREST FALLS BLVD TO FAWNSKIN
(SAN BERNARDINO CO)

SR 18
[IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA]
CHAINS ARE REQUIRED ON ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT 4-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLES
WITH SNOW TIRES ON ALL 4 WHEELS FROM THE JCT OF SR 138 TO BIG BEAR LAKE
(SAN BERNARDINO CO)

Here's an explaination of the "R" rating/conditions that affect the requirement to use chains.
R-1: Chains are required on all vehicles except passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires on at least two drive wheels. Chains must be carried by vehicles using snow tires. All vehicles towing trailers must have chains on one drive axle. Trailers with brakes must have chains on at least one axle.

R-2: Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel-drive vehicles under 6,500 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires on all four wheels. Chains for one set of drive wheels must be carried by four wheel-drive vehicles using snow tires.

R-3: Chains are required on all vehicles without exception.

R-1 and R-2 are the most common conditions. A highway will often be closed before an R-3 condition is imposed. Some local areas may use variations of these designations. You must follow the directions on the signs posted for chain controls or any instructions given by Caltrans or CHP personnel at chain control check points, even if these are at variance with broadcast road condition reports or information contained herein.

More information regarding the use of snow chains and their requirements can be found at http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/tr...html#fourwheel

 

Saddens me to say, "I'm out". Wifey informed me earlier in the week we might have to go back to San Diego to continue the condo search for my law student daughter (makes two Saturdays in a row). It's official... we're going to SD. I was really looking forward to running Gold Mtn in the snow again. Be careful on the descent back to 3N16.

Have fun!!! See y'all soon.

Wayne

 

I drove 2wd in the snow all the way up. But put it in 4hi and be safe in the morning

 

14" already going to be bad ass tomorrow

 

I can't wait!

 

Wayne you are leaving me to guide some newbies through some trail? Lol

 

:sadc ry:

Sorry....these are just some of the emotions I'm feeling because I'm missing this run........SUCKS!!!!!!