The Thrill of Winter Driving

[Bailey Guns]

This is near the top of Couse Creek Rd in eastern WA, near Anatone. It's about 3000 vertical feet from the top of this ridge to where the canyon spills into the Snake River (basically on the horizon of the photo). The pictures show the steepest part of the drive where the road switches back and forth to get to the top. I drove the 8 miles from bottom to top only to be forced to turn around (using the classic "18 Point Turn" maneuver) because a snowplow had been consumed by a snow drift and closed the road. Icy and slick only begins to describe the road. It was worse going downhill.

BTW...my company is looking to add another driver in Moscow if anyone's interested. Not sure of the time frame and it may be a seasonal job. Details are still being worked out. But I'd say it's probably not the job for you if you don't like driving a truck on narrow, icy, snow-packed, slick, steep roads.

Near the top:
http://i625.photobucket.com/albums/tt337/baileyguns/20170117_133249_zps9id2e1ae.jpg

About 1/2 way down:
http://i625.photobucket.com/albums/tt337/baileyguns/20170117_131910_zpschbfvp4z.jpg

[sniper7]

Wow be safe on those roads!

I just saw the video of the Utah plow truck that got hit by a semi and went off a 300' cliff. Crazy stuff

[roberth]

Be careful out there BG.

[beast556]

That does not look like a fun drive at all. Stay safe.

[Bailey Guns]

I don't know what I was thinking...I meant to put this under the other driving thread I started. Duh...

[Wulf202]

Do you need a cdl? What are the hours? PM me if you would rather

[Irving]

Looks like a pretty popular neighborhood.

[Hummer]

The possibility of getting stuck, or of an unanticipated off road adventure is enough for me to carry four tire chains all winter. A shovel, tow strap or tow chain, axe, food and water, hand/foot warmers and a change of winter clothes are winter travel essentials for us. A small duffle bag stays in the car and the truck at all times. It's better to be prepared than to be sorry.

Four wheel studded snow tires offer a lot of security when driving the mountain canyons here. Next winter I'm going to get another set of wheels for my wife's car so I can do quick changes to studded tires when conditions warrant. My plow truck wears studded tires and they limit the need to chain up except for heavy wet snows.

[BushMasterBoy]

I'd want a EPIRB to go out there. Or a SAT phone or both.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_position-indicating_radiobeacon_station

[TheGrey]

Oh dear god, the idea of driving on an icy hill is enough to give me hives. I know how to do winter driving in the snow and on the ice, but all bets are off when there's an incline.

Be careful, BG.

[Ah Pook]

Looks like a fun drive, especially in a big truck. [Eek2]

[Bailey Guns]

Do you need a cdl? What are the hours? PM me if you would rather

PM sent.