The status above reflects the current chain requirement enforced by Caltrans on I-80. If the status is R-0, no restrictions are in effect. If an R-level is active, carry chains or cables, even if you have four-wheel drive. Caltrans inspectors check vehicles at designated pullouts.
Understanding Chain Control Levels
When winter weather impacts the Sierra, Caltrans implements specific restrictions based on road conditions.
- R-1: Chains or snow tires are required on all vehicles.
- R-2: Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles with snow tires on all four wheels.
- R-3: Chains are required on every vehicle, with no exceptions. This level is rare and typically precedes a highway closure.
Typical Control Locations
Chain controls are not applied to the entire length of I-80 simultaneously. They are activated at specific points based on elevation and storm intensity.
The highest control points are near the summit:
- Castle Peak: 7,247 ft
- DLI (Donner Lake Interchange): 6,404 ft
- Kingvale: 6,076 ft
- Rainbow: 5,921 ft
- Truckee: 5,905 ft
Controls often extend down to lower elevations as conditions worsen:
- Yuba Gap: 5,770 ft
- Cisco Grove: 5,659 ft
- Boca: 5,531 ft
- Eagle Lakes: 5,449 ft
- Floriston On-ramp: 5,403 ft
- Nyack: 5,400 ft
- CA / NV Stateline - Gold Ranch: 5,019 ft
- Whitmore: 4,770 ft
- Mogul: 4,724 ft
Visualizing Conditions
Before traveling, check the cameras to see actual road surface conditions.
- I-80 at Donner Summit webcam (7,221 ft)
- I-80 at Castle Peak webcam (7,165 ft)
- I-80 at Soda Springs - Eastbound webcam (6,692 ft)
These cameras provide a view of the highest points on the pass. If the pavement is obscured by snow or ice at these elevations, expect chain controls to be active.
Official Sources
We provide this data to assist with trip planning, but road conditions change rapidly. Always confirm the current status with the official agency before departure.
- Check Caltrans road conditions for the most current closures and restrictions.
- Review Nevada 511 for conditions on the Nevada side of the border.
- See All road conditions for a broader view of regional travel.
- View I-80 road conditions for a detailed breakdown of the route.
- Browse I-80 webcams to see the full list of available cameras along the corridor.