A quick update.
We decided to leave on 11/29 from Corvallis, OR, took Rt20, and spent the first night in Ontario, OR. The roads were in good shape and the scenery from Corvallis to Bend was worth the drive. At Corvallis we picked up I80 and headed to Laramie, WY via Ogden, UT. Again the roads were great with the exception of a stretch of about 30 miles just west of Laramie. During that stretch, there was a little ice and the winds hit about 40mph (this according to reports and road info signs). The winds were more of a factor the road surface conditions. The temperatures dropped to 15 degrees and we stayed in a motel. The next morning we headed to Des Moines, IA. The temperatures quickly returned to the high 30s and road conditions were great. On Friday we drove the rest of the way with great weather.
I think we caught the weather right with a good window for taking this route. Had conditions been worse, it could have been a long drive. I did have chains with me, but they were never needed. I felt that elevation and grade changes were never an issue. Road surface and wind would be my concern in using this route.
As advised by many here, be prepared, monitor the weather and road conditions and drive cautiously.
I want to thank everyone for the advise, suggestions and comments I received here.
Safe Travels and Merry Christmas
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