Stellarossa: Donner Pass in late march
 

Are we likely to get snow in Northern California in late march? Will the Donner Pass be open? Is Truckee a fairly sizeable town? <BR> <BR>thanks

Hi Tony - The elevation on Donner Pass is about 8,000 feet, so definitely expect snow in March. I've seen it there even in the summer months! If I remember right, it takes a lot to close it completely, though. I lived in California for 4 years and don't recall it happening while I was there. When there's a certain amount of snow/ice on the roads or when a bad storm is going through, tire chains will be required on vehicles. You'll hear about it on the news or you can call the highway department for updates (sorry, don't know the phone number). What part of Northern California will you be going to? If it's anywhere along the Pacific coast, from the Oregon border to San Francisco, you won't experience snow. I don't know how big Truckee is or what there is to offer as far as things to do - my only experience was staying a hotel right off of Interstate 80. Hope this information helps.

thanks Sam <BR> <BR>This route through the Donner Pass is Interstate 80, isn't it? I take it that it will be gritted etc as a priority in the colder months?

Tony, I-80 is closed only rarely, but it may have snow and sometimes tire chains will be mandatory. The worst ought to be past by late March but the altitude is quite high and spring storms can be big business. Truckee is actually pretty interesting, very high altitude, so watch your exertion level. But in late March I'd push through and try to end up in one of the Calif. Route 49 towns (gold rush country) like Volcano or Columbia, which are gorgeous in early spring.

I spent a night in Truckee about 10 years ago. It didn't seem that big. It has a tourist "facade" -- that is "western" themed restaurants etc... We stayed in a Best Western outside of town and remmeber sitting in the Jacuzzi looking at the mountains. But then it was summer :)