Cameras and chain-control points on SR-267. Click a marker to open the camera.
The status above reflects active Caltrans restrictions between Truckee and Kings Beach. Caltrans reports these levels directly through District 3 telemetry. Always confirm conditions with Caltrans or NDOT before departure.
Understanding chain controls on SR-267
California applies three distinct restriction levels during winter storms:
- R-1: Chains or snow-tread tires are required on all vehicles except four-wheel or all-wheel drive models.
- R-2: Chains are required on all vehicles. The only exception is four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels.
- R-3: Chains are mandatory on every vehicle without exception. Caltrans rarely enforces R-3 on Brockway Summit; it typically precedes a full closure.
- R-0: Indicates no controls are in effect.
During moderate storms, Caltrans commonly sets restrictions to R-2. Drivers without four-wheel drive or chains must turn back at control checkpoints. Review the overall SR-267 road conditions for full route details.
Brockway Summit elevation and terrain
State Route 267 climbs directly from Truckee over Brockway Summit down to the north shore of Lake Tahoe. The route spans significant elevation changes across a short run:
- Truckee Bypass: 5,866 ft
- Northstar: 6,197 ft
- Brockway Summit: 7,194 ft
- Kings Beach / SR-28: 6,256 ft
Because Brockway Summit peaks at 7,194 ft, snow accumulates at the crest while precipitation often falls as rain or slush at lower approaches. Cold fronts drop snow levels rapidly toward 5,866 ft at Truckee. The steep grades on either side of 7,194 ft make Brockway Summit prone to spinouts when pavement freezes.
Checking summit webcams
Visual confirmation helps show whether asphalt is clear, slushy, or hard-packed with snow. Caltrans maintains cameras along the entire corridor:
- SR-267 at Brockway Summit webcam sits at 7,194 ft to show current crest conditions.
- SR-267 at Northstar webcam monitors conditions at 6,197 ft near the resort entrance.
- SR-267 at Kings Beach / SR-28 webcam shows the junction at 6,256 ft.
Check the complete set of SR-267 webcams before driving up from either Truckee or the lake.
Alternate routes around Brockway Summit
When Brockway Summit faces severe restrictions, heavy delays, or an R-3 closure, drivers travel between Truckee and Lake Tahoe via alternate state routes.
State Route 89 runs south from Truckee toward Tahoe City. SR-89 stays lower along the Truckee River corridor, avoiding the 7,194 ft elevation of Brockway Summit. From Tahoe City, drivers follow SR-28 along the lake toward Kings Beach.
If SR-267 closes entirely, travelers between Reno and North Lake Tahoe frequently rely on Interstate 80 to State Route 431 over Mount Rose, or take I-80 directly through Truckee to SR-89. Check all road conditions across the region to compare corridor closures and restrictions before picking a detour.
What to do during full closures
Caltrans closes SR-267 when heavy snow, zero-visibility blizzards, or jackknifed vehicles block both lanes over the summit. Gates close access from Truckee and Kings Beach.
Do not attempt to bypass physical gates or snowplows. Turn around and wait in Truckee at 5,866 ft or Kings Beach at 6,256 ft until maintenance crews clear the pavement. Verify live reopening schedules through Caltrans District 3 or QuickMap feeds.