Lake Tahoe area road closures as blizzard bears down on the Sierra

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Due to heavy snow, poor visibility, and multiple vehicle issues on Lake Tahoe area roads, the following roads have been closed:

SR89 over Luther Pass between Christmas Valley and Hope Valley. It is closed around Emerald Bay.
SR88 is closed to eastbound traffic at Dew Drop; closed from 3.5 miles east of Silver Fork to Kirkwood and the Carson Spur; from 2 miles east of Kirkwood to 5 miles west of Picketts Junction. Closed to westbound traffic at the junction of SR89 in Woodfords due to a disabled vehicle.

Traffic is currently being held on US50 at Pollock Pines and Meyers for avalanche control.

Road conditions are changing quickly so being prepared is key:
California - https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/
Nevada - https://www.nvroads.com/

Ever curious as to what R1, R2, and R3 chain controls means?

R1 - Chains are required on all vehicles except passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires on at least two drive wheels. Chains must be carried by vehicles using snow tires. All vehicles towing trailers must have chains on one drive axle. Trailers with brakes must have chains on at least one axle.

R2 - Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles with snow-tread tires on all four wheels. NOTE: (Four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicles must carry traction devices in chain control areas.)

R3 - Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles, no exceptions.

R-1 and R-2 are the most common conditions. A highway will often be closed before an R-3 condition is imposed. Some local areas may use variations of these designations. You must follow the directions on the signs posted for chain controls or any instructions given by Caltrans or CHP personnel at chain control check points, even if they vary from broadcast road condition reports.

Snow-tread Tires: The California Vehicle Code, Section 558 defines a snow-tread tire as follows, "A 'Snow-tread tire' is a tire which has a relatively deep and aggressive tread pattern compared with conventional passenger tread pattern". Snow-tread tires can be identified by examining the sidewall of the tire where the letters MS, M/S, M+S or the words MUD AND SNOW have been stamped into the sidewall.

Tire Traction Devices: The California Vehicle Code, Section 605 defines tire traction devices as follows: "Tire Traction Devices are devices or mechanisms having a composition and design capable of improving vehicle traction, braking and cornering ability upon snow or ice-covered surfaces. Tire traction devices shall be constructed and assembled to provide sufficient structural integrity and to prevent accidental detachment from vehicles. Tire traction devices shall, at the time of manufacture or final assembly, bear a permanent impression indicating the name, initials or trademark of the assembling company or primary manufacturer, and the country in which the devices were manufactured or assembled in final form."

Caltrans still has the right to prevent any vehicle from entering a chain control area when it is determined the vehicle will experience difficulty in safely traveling the area.

Caltrans winter driving tips can be found HERE.