Conti DWS, Caltrans and driving to Tahoe..

[fmk]

Short of a huge snowstorm, will i be ok with these heading up to tahoe on weekends? just curious what you all think. been a minute since heading up there all the time. not sure what caltrans will say if there are chain controls, etc. not worried about the snow driving.

[c4racer]

technically the requirement in CA for chain control is tires rated for snow plus 4WD, or chains on 2 wheels. Practically I've never seen them check for the snowflake symbol on tires - normally they are waiving people through and at most asking if you have 4WD. It is a requirement to carry chains at all times, even if you have 4WD. Tell them you have them if they ask.

[AZX54.4]

The Conti DWS's have received great reviews. I think you should be pretty safe with those tires.

Im gonna be heading up to Mammoth next weekend!! I hope they get another descent dusting of snow during the week!! I drive up there with all seasons and it is usually fine. They do a good job in CA of keeping the streets clear! Drive Safe!

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by AZX54.4

The Conti DWS's have received great reviews. I think you should be pretty safe with those tires.

Im gonna be heading up to Mammoth next weekend!! I hope they get another descent dusting of snow during the week!! I drive up there with all seasons and it is usually fine. They do a good job in CA of keeping the streets clear! Drive Safe!

very true for the primary state highways. But the trouble always comes when you need to get around a neighborhood up in the mountains as those are typically plowed by private contractors which can be spotty at best. Not to mention those are often up some steep hills and then you have to get into the driveway. This only applies if you are staying in a house up in the Tahoe area tho. It's easy to get to the ski area even in a blizzard. But even a few days later it can be a challenge getting around in some of the neighborhoods and driveways - those can get pretty interesting.

Take for example this house up in
Truckee:

[amacman]

Originally Posted by c4racer

very true for the primary state highways. But the trouble always comes when you need to get around a neighborhood up in the mountains as those are typically plowed by private contractors which can be spotty at best. Not to mention those are often up some steep hills and then you have to get into the driveway. This only applies if you are staying in a house up in the Tahoe area tho. It's easy to get to the ski area even in a blizzard. But even a few days later it can be a challenge getting around in some of the neighborhoods and driveways - those can get pretty interesting.

Take for example this house up in
Truckee:

I drove the 740i today in snow same as pic
it has been parked in 18 inches of snow for 2 weeks . frozen solid at - 15C .
managed to clear / compact enough snow to prevent grounding .
steep hill start on 90 degree turn on 6 inch thick compacted frozen snow and it moved no problem no wheelspin with new Goodyear Ultragrip winter tyres .

[AZX54.4]

C4Racer: you are totally correct about the neighborhood streets being a different story than the main streets. For the most part when I go up to places like Mammoth I am only in the town area and not the neighborhoods. The condos I stay at are usually on the main streets which get cleared quickly. However, I have been in Mammoth when they stop plowing the streets closer to the mtn area. We have been able to snowboard down the streets a few times to our door step!!!

I guess what I am saying is that all seasons are the best route for someone in my position. I dont live in the mtns or even close. I am driving all the way from Phoenix. Because of this it would be a little to long of a drive on winter specific tires. The best way for me is to use all seasons and bring some chains just in case!