Southern Nevada, Chances of snow in the Passes

[rickcorwn]

Some friends and I are in the planning stages for a trip to Las Vegas the first week in March. Specifically the part I'm concerned about is from Cedar City UT to Panaca NV then US93 to the ET highway NV375 and over to Tonopah NV and dropping down to Death Valley. The weather service shows average temps in the low 60s but at 6,000 feet what might it be like. I know that a last minute check of the weather would be in order but is it worth even planning for that time of year?

Thanks!

 

[chickey191]

Some friends and I are in the planning stages for a trip to Las Vegas the first week in March. Specifically the part I'm concerned about is from Cedar City UT to Panaca NV then US93 to the ET highway NV375 and over to Tonopah NV and dropping down to Death Valley. The weather service shows average temps in the low 60s but at 6,000 feet what might it be like. I know that a last minute check of the weather would be in order but is it worth even planning for that time of year?
Thanks!

I really hate to say this -- but "it depends".

Cedar City is the pace of Brian Head Ski resort (not really, but close enough) and I have seen snow on this road many times that time of year, though March is starting to push the safe side - but you can be at elevation and snow is certainly a possibility. Getting to Panaca and then over to Tonopah shouldn't really be much of a problem and there are ways around - you could alway go through vegas and back up to Death Valley.

The good news is that should there be snow that time of year - it probably wont last long and a day wait would be sufficient to thaw and ride. I woudn't worry too much about march through there. You didn't say how you were getting to Cedar and from where. Lots of mountains around there, and like most of the Great Basin - the basins are basins because they have mountains on the sides. Meaning that for every Basin there are typically two mountain passes one on either side. There are several 10,000 foor passes in NV and lots of passed in UT.

Death Valley may be past the prime wild flower season in March, or it might be in the middle of it -you can never really tell, this far out. It also depends on how much rain they got this year. Anyway you look at it - march in DV is a fun time to ride. I could hit the first 100 degree days (or not), but the nights will be cool for sure. dont forget to visit Scotty's Castle - say hello to all LDRiding supporters in Beatty.

Remember to slow the hell down if riding from vegas to Beatty in Indian Wells and Beatty. Coming from Tonopah - slow down in Tonopay and outside of Goldfield and Beatty. HIGH ENFORCEMENT is the order of the day. If it says 70 - 55- 45- 35=25 make sure you are doing them or suffer the consequences. Outside of that... let your concience and your throttle hand be your guide.

 

[rickcorwn]

I really hate to say this -- but "it depends".

I was afraid of that

Cedar City is the pace of Brian Head Ski resort (not really, but close enough) and I have seen snow on this road many times that time of year, though March is starting to push the safe side - but you can be at elevation and snow is certainly a possibility. Getting to Panaca and then over to Tonopah shouldn't really be much of a problem and there are ways around - you could alway go through vegas and back up to Death Valley.

Right, that's the default plan if we can't get to and across the ET highway.

The good news is that should there be snow that time of year - it probably wont last long and a day wait would be sufficient to thaw and ride. I woudn't worry too much about march through there. You didn't say how you were getting to Cedar and from where. Lots of mountains around there, and like most of the Great Basin - the basins are basins because they have mountains on the sides. Meaning that for every Basin there are typically two mountain passes one on either side. There are several 10,000 foor passes in NV and lots of passed in UT.

We're coming from Minnesota and I'll be arriving in the back of a 32 ft. enclose 5th wheel I was looking for a spot I could jump out early. Some of the others are staying in Vegas and going to the NASCAR race uke: Myself and one other would rather ride the whole time we're there.

Death Valley may be past the prime wild flower season in March, or it might be in the middle of it -you can never really tell, this far out. It also depends on how much rain they got this year. Anyway you look at it - march in DV is a fun time to ride. I could hit the first 100 degree days (or not), but the nights will be cool for sure. dont forget to visit Scotty's Castle - say hello to all LDRiding supporters in Beatty.

Compared to MN the wild flowers will be fabulous. I've been through DV when it's 115 and loved it but not the heat. I'm really looking forward to ridding there in tolerable weather. Scott's castle is the first stop in DV but just who are the LDRiding supporters in Beatty?

Remember to slow the hell down if riding from vegas to Beatty in Indian Wells and Beatty. Coming from Tonopah - slow down in Tonopay and outside of Goldfield and Beatty. HIGH ENFORCEMENT is the order of the day. If it says 70 - 55- 45- 35=25 make sure you are doing them or suffer the consequences. Outside of that... let your concience and your throttle hand be your guide.

10-4 good buddy, I got that tip from some other riders on the first leg of the Butt-Lite. I behaved myself through all those towns and their painfully slow 25 mph speed limits and didn't see one LEO. Geez, I hate it when that happens <_<

Thanks Chuck

 

[chickey191]

Stage Coach Inn - is where we have had the White Stag off and on. Used to be the Exchange Club but we have been boycotting that for several years due to mistreatment of one of our riders. The gas station right on the corner of 95 when you come into town (from the south) on the main drag (it is still 95, but it did a big right hander) which is across from the Exchange Club is so used to rally riders that I almost guarantee they will offer you a receipt with your gas purchase. Though it isn't used as much since the gas station next to the Stage Coach was built.

Angels Ladies is the brothel north of town that has been a bonus point in many a rally.

since you will have a trailer - I wouldn't worry about it at all. You have a backup plan that will work out and when you get there you will know if you can make it - Not that far a ride and the weather will most likely be great. I have fished in some lakes around there in March and been able to water ski. I have also been in a snow storm. But the weather is typically pretty good around then as long as you aren't up too far in the mountains. Riding through Virgin Gorge is nice. Be careful around Caliente and Alamo and Pioche if you happen to be in those areas. Alamo is a major speed trap and Pioche also. Even the locals complain about the enforecment there or at least they used to. The LEO may have been moved out of there by now.

enjoy the ride.

 

[kindofblue]

Death Valley may be past the prime wild flower season in March, or it might be in the middle of it -you can never really tell, this far out. It also depends on how much rain they got this year. Anyway you look at it - march in DV is a fun time to ride. I could hit the first 100 degree days (or not), but the nights will be cool for sure. dont forget to visit Scotty's Castle - say hello to all LDRiding supporters in Beatty.
Remember to slow the hell down if riding from vegas to Beatty in Indian Wells and Beatty. Coming from Tonopah - slow down in Tonopay and outside of Goldfield and Beatty. HIGH ENFORCEMENT is the order of the day. If it says 70 - 55- 45- 35=25 make sure you are doing them or suffer the consequences. Outside of that... let your concience and your throttle hand be your guide.

Chickey191,

I've been thinking of riding out to DV some time this spring to see the wild flowers and to ride DV. Are you aware of any web sites that provide up to date forecasts of when the flowers are about to bloom? Thanks.

 

[chickey191]

Death Valley may be past the prime wild flower season in March, or it might be in the middle of it -you can never really tell, this far out. It also depends on how much rain they got this year. Anyway you look at it - march in DV is a fun time to ride. I could hit the first 100 degree days (or not), but the nights will be cool for sure. dont forget to visit Scotty's Castle - say hello to all LDRiding supporters in Beatty.
Remember to slow the hell down if riding from vegas to Beatty in Indian Wells and Beatty. Coming from Tonopah - slow down in Tonopay and outside of Goldfield and Beatty. HIGH ENFORCEMENT is the order of the day. If it says 70 - 55- 45- 35=25 make sure you are doing them or suffer the consequences. Outside of that... let your concience and your throttle hand be your guide.

Chickey191,

I've been thinking of riding out to DV some time this spring to see the wild flowers and to ride DV. Are you aware of any web sites that provide up to date forecasts of when the flowers are about to bloom? Thanks.

try this one girls dancing naked in death valley wildflowers - click here

or this one Death Valley NP

the rangers in death valley are very proud of their park and a quick email to them or phone call to Furnace Creek or Furnace Creek Inn should get you what you need. I'm not sure what the rain fall was like for them - this year but the wild flowers have been pretty good over the last couple of years.