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Rom · 12-08-2008, 08:55 PM

Don't know what that mountain range/summit is called on I-8E going to Yuma but anybody knows if it gets snow (or ice) in winter? I'm planning on driving my MH through there in Jan and need to know if it's safe to do so. Thanks in advance for your responses.

Rom · 12-08-2008, 08:55 PM

Don't know what that mountain range/summit is called on I-8E going to Yuma but anybody knows if it gets snow (or ice) in winter? I'm planning on driving my MH through there in Jan and need to know if it's safe to do so. Thanks in advance for your responses.

Healeyman · 12-09-2008, 04:32 PM

For the last 6 years, we have driven from Dallas to San Diego twice (Jan/July)each year.

When you say "I-8E going to Yuma", I don't know if you mean eastbound from San Deigo or westbound from Tucson.

I can tell you only one time have we have run into snow and that was at the Texas Canyon rest area at mile-stick 330 in Arizona.

Texas Canyon rest stop is approx. 63 miles EAST of Tucson, 81 miles west of the Arizona/New Mexico border.

We have also run into snow several times in west Texas and in New Mexico.

We drive a 4WD Suburban so it has not been a problem. We'll be going again in late January, 2009.

Good Luck.

Tim

Healeyman · 12-09-2008, 04:34 PM

I intended to add that we have never run into snow west of Texas Canyon.

Tim

Richard S. · 12-10-2008, 04:40 AM

The mountian range is Laguna mountians, The 10 mile grade is Mountian Springs Grade. I8 will get snow two or three time a year. The road is cleared as it snows and has only been shut down a couple of times in the last 20 years.
From Alpine CA to El Centro CA about 80 miles high winds are the problem from time to time.
If it get bad the CHP will shut it down at each end and put you on hold till it' safe.

FatDog · 12-10-2008, 04:17 PM

I also am assuming you are asking about the 'SanDiego to Yuma' portion of I8, but
I think that the highest that area gets in altitude is prox 6,500' so although the surrounding tree-shaded mountain areas will maybe get up to a foot of snow a couple times every winter, snow that lasts a week or so, the warmer asphalt of the freeway really is not any problem.

And this winter is forecast again to be warm so you are being waved thru with thumbs up. As mentioned, that bridge just east of Alpine is a doozy with any winds coming down that canyon.

In fact, I think the once popular watering-hole - the SnowFlakeInn that was a mile off of the summit even closed a handful of years back.
Our lousy snow fall can't even support a tiny little dive bar.

Rom · 12-10-2008, 04:35 PM

Thank you all! I've driven this route from SD to Yuma twice in my MH but during summer time. This will be the first time I'm doing this in winter (Jan) and I'm a little bit concerned. But with your comments, I guess it will (hopefully) be OK.

Richard S. · 12-11-2008, 03:25 AM

You will be just fine. El Cajon on the west side to El Centro on the east side is only 90 miles. Takes 1.5 hrs. Enjoy

Rom · 12-11-2008, 08:15 PM

Thanks, Richard S!

FatDog · 12-17-2008, 06:34 PM

well, oddly enough, it rare and i said earlier it probably wouldn't happen this year,
but its snowing at the peak right now,

a couple of the laterals near the summit are requiring chains, its only a foot deep in the shade and within a couple days it will be warm and sunny,
i believe i8 at the summit is/was open for both days of the cold snap,
snow doesn't last longer then a week here

Rom · 12-17-2008, 08:42 PM

Well FatDog, I too have read about the weird weather going on now in California (and Las Vegas even, heard that I-15 was closed). Let it snow now as long as it's bone dry and warm when I pass there next month

Spikester · 12-18-2008, 05:50 AM

Rom,
I second that, I too am also leaving for AZ next month.

Spike

Norton · 12-20-2008, 07:26 AM

I'll even 3rd that. We leave Central Oregon on or about the 7th of Jan. We'll be going via Troutdale and I5. We need to see our kids before we head off, thus the detour.