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TheQuades · 11-04-2015, 05:54 AM

Trying to make plans for an early April trip west. My question is I-40 far enough south to avoid major snow? We would make a speed run out of NY south out of the bad weather. (probably I-81) Then west on I-40 to New Mexico or Arizona before turning North to Salt Lake City. We want to spend about 3 weeks making the trek west.

mwhite567 · 11-04-2015, 06:01 AM

We live in Oklahoma City, two miles from Interstate 40. Yes, I would say that you will be safe from snow in April from I40 and south. Though I have seen freak April snow storms, at that time of year it doesn't have a good chance to accumulate. I think you will be just fine. Be safe!!!

wingnut60 · 11-04-2015, 08:10 AM

Just pay attention to weather reports--there are several places on 40 in NM and AZ that will have problems if a weather front comes thru--snow on the high areas, especially Flagstaff if you are going that far. Doesn't last long, but can be a problem for several hours. And I have seen heavy, blowing snow in early May on 40 between Tucumcari and Amarillo.
Joe

rgvtexan · 11-04-2015, 03:56 PM

And it can be BREEZEY!

twogypsies · 11-04-2015, 04:52 PM

We've had I-40 closed on us the last week of April just west of Albuquerque because of a blizzard. The same happened in Idaho in April. We were always too eager to head north but soon learned our lesson. We've also had snow in Michigan in May. Monitor the weather constantly if traveling that early on I-40 or above.

Parks · 11-05-2015, 11:12 PM

You should be fine. Yes, localized fronts can blow in on some areas of I-40 but it wouldn't be a big worry. Now if you were doing I-40 in Dec - late Feb you'd have a much better likelihood of problems. If your destination is SLC it would be much faster just to take I-70 through CO into UT directly but with a bit more weather concern. It's all about watching the forecast wherever you drive.