Yosemite Cabin Information - cross post

[wendybeth]

We have an SUV with 4-wheel drive- do we need to have chains? We just went through the snowiest winter on record up here and didn't need them. I hope not- we may not be able to find any after the winter we just had.

[Not Afraid]

I REALLY doubt that we are going to need them. It takes a pretty heavy snow to require chains. However, if it does snow and we don't have chains, we may end up house bound and not able to get to the Valley - except in WBs car.

I'll call the cabin and ask some questions about current conditions.

Also, I know this was discussed earlier, but there is a National Park Entrance fee of $20 as well.


EDIT: So if you call the number I listed above for Road Conditions you'll get complete information about what the road conditions are and what the Federal Law requirements are. (And, ALL vehicles are required to carry chains - even 4 wheel drive.)

Also: Winter Weather Advisory until Wednesday - 5 inches at 5,000 foot.

[Snowflake]

Okay, well I won't know what to get until I get the car. I hope cables will do and that I can find them!

[Not Afraid]

Road Conditions Website

[Disneyphile]

Thanks NA!

Oh, and just found this via your CalTrans link:

FOR YOSEMITE NAT'L PARK ROAD INFORMATION CALL 209-372-0200

So, hopefully, we now have all the info we need. Wheee!

[Not Afraid]

I normally wouldn't worry about chains in April, but snow is expected this week and the forecast isn't available for next week yet. It's one of those things that, if you don't have them and you get to a mandatory chain spot you're screwed.

I have to find where I posted it, but I believe the cabin is at a pretty high elevation. I found it. 5700 feet is the cabin elevation.

[Kevy Baby]

Originally Posted by Not Afraid

You are required to carry chains.

What about whips?

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Originally Posted by wendybeth

We have an SUV with 4-wheel drive- do we need to have chains? We just went through the snowiest winter on record up here and didn't need them. I hope not- we may not be able to find any after the winter we just had.

4wd with snow tires should be fine. I doubt you'll see R-3 conditions.

Chain Requirement Levels and Traffic Control Definitions
R-1: Chains or snow tread tires required. Snow tires must have a tread depth of 6/32" with a "M & S" imprint on the tire's sidewall.
R-2: Chains required on all vehicles except four-wheel drives or all-wheel drives with snow tread tires on all four wheels.
R-3: Chains required - ALL VEHICLES- no exceptions
R-1 and R-2 are the most common chain controls. The highway will often be closed before an R-3 control is imposed.

[MouseWife]

I heard the forecast and thought of you guys! Storms a brewin' and you may be so lucky to have snow! Snow and a hot tub? :0)

The chains. They ask at the entrance, we always just signal that they are in back. But, at those times, it hasn't been snowing.

There are several 'gates' that they close if the road conditions become too hazardous, but, we've been there when it was snowing pretty hard and have always had access.

We have 4WD and all weather tires...still have to have chains. Not necessarily carry them.

I know it seems odd to have them required so late in the year but up there storms can happen at any time.

Like ~MS~ said, hold onto your receipts and you should be able to return them. Ask first, of course. AND rental cars, that was silly that they didn't have them there where it was snowing! We've rented vehicles for the specific purpose to head up into the snow. Just didn't tell them.

Definitely call around for the chains, we had to head out to Santee for ours. How about Craigs list? Wal-Mart also may carry them and possibly the other retail stores if they are in areas where there may be snow close by.

You guys have fun and watch out for Kevy...I think he might come in a maids outfit toting a whip.....maybe chains, too.

[keith - SuPeR K!]

So... What should I be packing for this crazy adventure? I'm totally clueless as I've never stayed in Yosemite, just driven through at night.