Kondike Highway From Skagway May 11

[raytheonmn]

I'm planning on renting a car and driving the Highway to Emerald Lake. I've read Murry's guide which was excellent. My question is what are the road conditions usually like in early may? Will we need a winterized car with chains to take the highway?

 

Thanks for your help

[wolfie11]

Skagway, AK 15-Day Forecast

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, Apr 27

Partly sunnyHigh: 61° FLow: 40° F

Thursday, Apr 28

Partly sunny and pleasantHigh: 65° FLow: 40° F

Friday, Apr 29

Partly sunny and delightfulHigh: 61° FLow: 39° F

Saturday, Apr 30

Partly sunnyHigh: 59° FLow: 36° F

Sunday, May 1

Plenty of sunshineHigh: 58° FLow: 35° F

Monday, May 2

Partial sunshineHigh: 57° FLow: 39° F

Tuesday, May 3

Partly sunnyHigh: 59° FLow: 42° F

Wednesday, May 4

Partly sunnyHigh: 61° FLow: 43° F

Thursday, May 5

Times of clouds and sunHigh: 62° FLow: 42° F

Friday, May 6

Mostly cloudyHigh: 61° FLow: 39° F

Saturday, May 7

Partly sunnyHigh: 60° FLow: 39° F

Sunday, May 8

Clouds with thunderstormsHigh: 56° FLow: 35° F

Monday, May 9

RainHigh: 54° FLow: 33° F

Tuesday, May 10

RainHigh: 52° FLow: 33° F

 

[raytheonmn]

My concern is the mountain road - Is it clear of snow, or are chains necessary to drive the mountains

[wolfie11]

White Pass summit is around 3000 ft. - rule of thumb is to subtract 5 degrees F for every 1000 feet of altitude you gain. Plus, if it's clear in Skagway, it's probably going to be clear in the mountains.

[Yukon]

>>..if it's clear in Skagway, it's probably going to be clear in the mountains.<<

 

Sorry, the White Pass doesn't work that way - it can be clear on both sides and the pass can be socked in. Snow is not unknown in mid-May, but with the temps we're having it's highly unlikely this year. In any case, chains are never required - they close the pass before it gets that bad. Spring snow, when it does happen, is always gone quickly (generally a couple of hours or so).

 

Murray

[raytheonmn]

Murray,

 

Thanks for the answer, I'm looking forward to take the trip along with your road guide - You've done a great job on your guide and it will help point out things to see on our trip.

 

Thanks again,

Steve

[raytheonmn]

The following web site keeps updated road conditions: http://www.gov.yk.ca/roadreport/

 

As of today:

Highway 2, the South Klondike Highway, is in fair spring driving condition. Motorists are reminded to watch for falling rocks from km 58 (Mt. Carmacks) to km 65, and from km 80 (Windy Arm) to km 87 (Venus Mine Site). Canada Customs at Fraser is open 24 hours.

 

Highway 2, the North Klondike Highway, is in normal spring driving condition. Motorists will encounter single lane traffic at km 664 (Flat Creek) due to high water.