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I completely agree with Foy's response but there was one line from the original post that really bares some attention.

Quote Originally Posted by ROTARY Ramie View Post
Going this way is about 600 miles more of driving but I could avoid the mountains.
I'm sorry to tell you that your statement simply isn't accurate. First of all, using I-5 down the coast involves a significant number of mountains. You'll be dealing with them both in Oregon/Northern California, and then again as you reach the Grapevine between Bakersfield and LA. Both of those areas can and do see winter weather - with the passes in Oregon seeing winter conditions quite frequently. The Grapevine only sees one or two bad storms a year, but it still sees time from time to time.

Then you'll still have mountains to cross the continental divide - and if you go across I-40 through Arizona and New Mexico you'll be crossing at a higher elevation than the I-90 route described by Foy. I-10 is a bit lower in elevation, but it is still high enough to see snow, and West Texas has been known to see some fierce ice storms.

Keep an eye on the forecasts certainly, but don't buy into the myth that going south will be a catch-all to avoid winter weather.