great feedback guys. Thanks a lot. I figured I might as well be safe than sorry so I went out and bought some chains...just in case. If I don't use them, then I'll return them.

 

Ah, Donner Summit receives an incredible amount of snow compared to most of North America, averaging over 450 inches per year (last year it was 700 inches). That is about three times the average snow fall in the mid west. The big difference which may be why you think it is higher there is that ours melts and is removed quicker than that incredibly cold climate. Granted this year so far is the exception with nothing up here right now.

Also if you need chains and 4wd you should just stay home. That is usually a bad time to be on the road. Looks like it won't be an issue this Christmas.