Road Conditions Information & Webcams
Mammoth Lakes / Bishop / 395 / Inyo and Mono County
If you’re on this page during a storm and 395 is closed, there are NO alternative routes to Mammoth Lakes, no matter what the Google App is telling you. HWY 6 to Benton Crossing Road is NOT PLOWED until after the storm is over and other roads have been cleared… DO NOT TAKE THIS ROUTE!
Before you drive up, always check our Mammoth to Bishop Weather Discussion and our Home Page. During storm cycles, we update 2 to 3 times a day. If you’re on Facebook we have a large private Facebook Community. During stormy days, people will post road conditions with images right from 395 as they travel up and back to Southern California.
Chain Requirements
- R1 and R2 are the most common conditions. The highway is usually closed before an R3 condition is imposed.
- You must stop and put on chains when highway signs indicate chains are required. You can be cited by the California Highway Patrol and fined if you don’t. You will usually have about a mile between “Chains Required” signs and the checkpoint to install your chains.
- Control areas can change rapidly from one place to another due to varying weather and road conditions.
- The speed limit when chains are required is 25 or 30 miles per hour and will be posted along the highway.
- When you must put on chains, wait until you can pull completely off the roadway to the right. Do not stop in a traffic lane, as this will endanger yourself and block traffic.
Chain Info
- R1: Chains or snow tires required.
- R2: Chains are required on all vehicles except four-wheel drives with snow tires.
- R3: Chains required on all vehicles. No exceptions.
Chain Installers
If you use the services of a chain installer, be sure to get a receipt and jot the installer’s badge number on it. Remember, chain installers are independent business people, not Caltrans employees. Having the badge number may help with any misunderstandings later. Chain installers are NOT allowed to sell or rent chains.
When removing chains, drive beyond the signs reading “End Chain Control” to a pull-off area where you can safely remove them.
We also offer advice below on what to have in your car if you’re traveling to Mammoth from November to April.
Local Tips for Travelers
When traveling to Mammoth Lakes, please carry chains and a winter survival kit with extra water and food in your trunk as well. Mammoth Lakes can get multiple feet of snow anytime from late September to May.
Before you ever leave home to drive up, you should have practiced putting your snow chains on in your driveway or on the side of the street. Watch the video below to learn more. If your search chain is installed on YouTube, you can find numerous videos on this subject.
As a 30-year Mammoth Local, my advice is to have an AWD or 4×4 vehicle if you’re traveling here during a big storm.
For those with a 2-wheel drive, you will need to become proficient in putting on and taking off your chains. Back when I had a two-wheel drive, I could pull over, do the job, and be back on the road in 10 mins.
The first time I tried it in a storm, it took 35 minutes, and I was frustrated; I learned quickly that you can, too. It should also be noted that if you’re in a 2-wheel drive with chains, you will find travel difficult if the roads are rated R2.
The best advice is to avoid driving on roads that are too deep. You will likely get stuck.
There are numerous winter driving tips listed below. Don’t miss them.
Mammoth Yosemite Airport Webcams (MMH)
