The status above reflects the current chain control requirements for SR-431. If the feed shows R-1, R-2, or R-3, carry chains or have snow tires installed. Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) and Caltrans issue these requirements based on road surface conditions. Check Nevada 511 or the Caltrans road conditions site to verify official status before departure.
Understanding chain controls
When snow accumulates on the Mt Rose Highway, NDOT implements chain controls. These requirements apply to all vehicles, including those with four-wheel drive.
- R-1: Chains or snow tires required on all vehicles.
- R-2: Chains required on all vehicles except four-wheel or all-wheel drive with snow tires on all four wheels.
- R-3: Chains required on every vehicle, no exceptions. This level is rare and typically precedes a road closure.
Monitoring the pass
The Mt Rose Highway reaches an elevation of 8,887 ft at the summit. Because of this elevation, conditions at the top often differ significantly from those in Reno or Incline Village.
Reviewing SR-431 Mt Rose webcams provides a visual check of the road surface. High-elevation cameras are the most reliable indicators of current conditions:
- SR-431 at Mt Rose Summit webcam (8,887 ft)
- SR-431 at Mt. Rose Dugway webcam (8,854 ft)
- SR-431 at West Side Meadows webcam (8,570 ft)
Travel planning
SR-431 connects the Reno valley to the Lake Tahoe basin. During severe storms, the highway may close due to high winds, visibility, or avalanche risk.
If SR-431 closes, the primary alternatives are SR-28 or US-50. These routes add significant travel time depending on the starting point and destination. Always check SR-431 Mt Rose road conditions and all road conditions for the broader Sierra region before attempting to cross the pass during winter weather events. Data updates occur as road crews report changes from the field.