I80 at Prater Way

Live camera on I-80, with the current status of the road it sits on and the forecast at the nearest pass.

Where this camera is

This camera is the red marker; the blue dots are the other cameras on I-80. Click one to open it.

What this camera shows

This live video stream provides a real-time view of traffic flow through the Sparks area at an elevation of 4,459 feet. Because this location sits significantly lower than the chain-control points at Mogul and Gold Ranch, it serves as a critical baseline for drivers heading west. When the higher cameras at those control points show accumulating snow or restricted movement, this view often remains clear, helping you distinguish between local precipitation and the heavier conditions developing as the highway climbs toward the Sierra.

As a live feed, this camera is most useful for observing active traffic patterns rather than just checking for precipitation. If you notice vehicles braking or slowing significantly here, it often indicates that weather-related congestion is backing up from the higher, steeper sections of the grade. Watching the movement here allows you to gauge whether traffic is flowing freely or if incidents further west are already impacting the commute.

Chain-control points on I-80

Caltrans does not control the whole road at once — it sets controls at whichever point matches the snow level, so the same storm produces controls at different places on different days. These are the California-side points, highest first:

The cameras either side

More cameras on I-80

• I-80 at Boomtown Garson Rd
• I-80 at Boomtown Truck Check
• I-80 at Gold Ranch
• I-80 at Mahogany Canyon Rd Eastbound
• I-80 at Floriston
• I-80 at Truckee Scales Westbound

All 58 cameras on I-80 →

Other roads

Camera: Nevada DOT. Chain-control status: Caltrans District 3 (public domain). Nevada Explorer is not affiliated with either. Always confirm at roads.dot.ca.gov or nvroads.com before you travel.