Sierra Nbs Over Lolo Pass

Montana Bronco · February 14, 2008

OK, I drove US Hwy 12 west out of Missoula this past week. It climbs for 30 twisting miles and reaches it's highest point at Lolo Pass on the Montana/Idaho state line. Then it drops down into the steep and deep Lochsa River Canyon.

This year the snow level is unbelievable. The drifts at the Pass were over 20 feet deep, deeper than the semi's struggling over. The truckers were all running their tire chains on both tractor and trailer.

The regular plow crews had been called down off the Pass, and the super-large rotary snowblowers were digging a path through for the truckers. The force of the blizzard was incredible.

I carry chains for all four corners of my Sierra, but I just pulled the lever back into 4WD and continued on. I put my trust in the high-tech Stabilitrak, TC, G80 locker, 4WD, and BFG A/T's. No chains for me yet, but I was ready to put them on.

On the Idaho side, at Mile 132 a huge avalanche came down, completely closing the highway. No one was hurt, but about 6 semi's and myself could not move forward. No cell phone coverage, but most of the truckers had satelitte communications and were able to contact the authorities.

Suddenly, a second avalanche came roaring down at Mile 133, slamming into one of the trapped semi's. I could not believe my eyes as the fully-loaded semi was picked up like a toy and thrown down into the river canyon below. His fellow truckers were true hero's as they immediately started a rescue party. Fortunately, the driver was unhurt and he climbed out on his own.

After making sure he was OK, I was able to turn around on the narrow road, and headed to a Forest Ranger station for help. The truckers, who could not turn around, were trapped. The forest rangers, on snowshoes, were the first on the scene. The Idaho National Guard came in with a tracked vehicle and took out the stranded truckers, although their trucks are still up there. US Hwy 12 remains closed 7 days later.

2 things:

1st: the combination of Stabilitrak, TC, G80 locker, 4WD, and BFG A/T tires make an unbeatable snow vehicle. I have owned 7 other 4WD vehicles in my life, and this vehicle is by far the best in snow. Every one of the others would have required chains in these conditions.

2nd: Thanks to the brave plow crews of Montana and Idaho, the bravery of his fellow truckers, and the bravery of the Idaho National Guard and the US Forest Service, a trucker is alive today.

note: there are several articles about this in the Missoula paper: www.missoulian.com

ajcain79 · February 14, 2008

wow! that sounds like it could be a movie. At least you didn't have to decide who to eat first.

slomo007 · February 14, 2008

Cool story, thanks for sharing. The only thing that would make it better would be to see a Tundra with a damaged tailgate stuck on the side of the road.

akfireman · February 14, 2008

1st: the combination of Stabilitrak, TC, G80 locker, 4WD, and BFG A/T tires make an unbeatable snow vehicle. I have owned 7 other 4WD vehicles in my life, and this vehicle is by far the best in snow. Every one of the others would have required chains in these conditions.

Having been driving mine in the snow, ice and cold since October I have found the same thing, I have been impressed with how this truck handles. its like driving on dry roads. Its the best truck I have had.

punmax · February 14, 2008

Yes it is really a beast on the snow. But once I turned into a Tim Horton's parking lot and as I was turning in the truck completely slid on it's side and I was 1-2 inches away from hitting a parked car. Was puzzled as why it did that with stabiltrak and traction on, but I did give it a little throttle. I was used to having the truck brake for me, but anyways this system is unbeatable.

alaska511 · February 14, 2008

1st: the combination of Stabilitrak, TC, G80 locker, 4WD, and BFG A/T tires make an unbeatable snow vehicle. I have owned 7 other 4WD vehicles in my life, and this vehicle is by far the best in snow. Every one of the others would have required chains in these conditions.

Having been driving mine in the snow, ice and cold since October I have found the same thing, I have been impressed with how this truck handles. its like driving on dry roads. Its the best truck I have had.

I agree, it has been quite impressive. I was against these wide tires, but they have been doing quite well with the TC/Stabilitrak

Rocco715 · February 14, 2008

Thats a good story I coudn't imagine seeing in person an avalnche take out a semi. But I do also agree that these trucks handle exceptionally in the snow, I wouldn't say better than my previous H2 but very comparable.

sno · February 14, 2008

Wow!

I was up that way last Summer and the dry Interstate on a clear day scared the begeezus out of me at the Montana/Idaho line. Can't imagine driving in a blizzard. Glad everyone was OK.