Black ice between Mojave and Bishop

[davidpet]

This Thursday it's going to be at about the freezing point all day with clouds and wind. Is the 395 going to be a giant sheet of black ice straight into Bishop? Is there a time of day (considering there's no sun) where this will be safer? I'm going to Mammoth in a Corolla Thursday from the LA area. I don't have experience with black ice and I don't know how I'll do if I hit a patch, much less several hours of it.

[CyberK]

This Thursday it's going to be at about the freezing point all day with clouds and wind. Is the 395 going to be a giant sheet of black ice straight into Bishop? Is there a time of day (considering there's no sun) where this will be safer? I'm going to Mammoth in a Corolla Thursday from the LA area. I don't have experience with black ice and I don't know how I'll do if I hit a patch, much less several hours of it.

I have never seen black ice in the area you mention. Especially during the day. I wouldn't worry about it.

(I hope I'm not feeding a Troll)

[davidpet]

Not a troll...just never had a real winter Mammoth driving experience. I started going there last season when it was always above freezing and green/brown the whole way up. Then I went in December this season where it was only cold past Bishop and then there was so much salt on the road that ice and snow weren't an issue. The forecast for this Thursday is freaking me a out a little because it calls for wind gusts up to 65 MPH (I know from the past that my Corolla will be blown around by that) until after Mojave, then conditions exactly matching articles I've read online about black ice for several hours until Bishop and then possible chain weather (which I have been lucky enough to avoid so far). I'll just cross my fingers that the wind doesn't start until later in the day when I'm past that stage, and that you're right about the ice, and that I get to Bishop during a window when the road is clear up to Mammoth.

So far both trips I've made this season where thursday up and sunday back, and both have had storms in the forecast for exactly those days with sun on friday and saturday. I'm beginning to think I should pick different days for my next reservations.

[CyberK]

You will probably be fine. Just an FYI, we don't use salt. It is generally volcanic pumice they spread on the road.

Take chains, take it slow, and you will be just fine.

FROM the NWS

A 40 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 3. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

Sorry about the "troll" remark. You just don't know.

[cheapski]

I've never worried about road ice between Mojave and Bishop for 2 reasons. Most importantly, that is pretty dry desert and there isnt enough moisture to make ice period. Secondly that stretch of the 395 is sun exposed until at least 2 PM.

[SurfnSnowboard]

Before you can have black ice you have to have wet roads. I don't see any reason for the 14 or 395 to be wet.

If you hit icey roads ease off the gas and keep the wheel straight. The worst thing you can do is panic and make an abrupt move or slam on the brakes.

[davidpet]

Looks like they've dramatically upgraded the wind warning and extended it from 10 AM to 10 PM. No way to get around that. http://www.weather.com/weather/alerts/l ... X&etn=0001

[SurfnSnowboard]

With high winds in the Mojave area you need to be more worried about dust storms than black ice. My buddy's car had quite a bit of paint damage after a particularly windy drive home. Definitely something to be concerned about.

[davidpet]

The forecast says it will be at its worst in the afternoon. I'm going to leave at like 7 AM and try to make a straight shot to Bishop and then hang out there for a while. I don't think I can check in at Mammoth Mountain Inn until 4 PM. Maybe I'll check out the train museum.

[davidpet]

I guess this won't be the trip where I finally stop to check out Gus's really good jerky or whatever it's called. Or see why there are dinosaurs attacking a giant pineapple near there.

[SurfnSnowboard]

There's a really good jerky place in Bishop. It's on the right side near the casino. Of course you could always stop at the casino and make some money to pay for your trip...or at least that's what I tell myself

Morning does look better for wind.

Have a safe drive!

[Sierra Lady]

There's a really good jerky place in Bishop. It's on the right side near the casino.

Mahogany Smoked Meats Try their bacon, too.

[sdp]

I was supposed to leave today but am postponing till Friday. Don't care to get caught up in the winds on 395. Prefer to let the weather system pass. Chain control 12 mi south of Mammoth. Maybe the roads will clear by tomorrow but with the cold temps.... maybe not.

[SkierBob]

There's a really good jerky place in Bishop. It's on the right side near the casino.

Mahogany Smoked Meats Try their bacon, too.

I only stopped there once, that place will shorten your life.

If you want to leave this life even quicker their BLT is an instant heart attack.

[windyscotty]

I just mentioned in another thread how I have driven from Mojave to Bishop and even Placerville in four wheel drive the entire way. The snow has to be sticking, and yes, there can be stretches of black ice. It is not uncommon and could happen coming up with lower snow levels and colder temps.

What does SL always say, "Carry chains," I mean Carry Brains.