is there a way to know if chain is required for lake tahoe? Has anybody traveled recently?
https://roads.dot.ca.gov/ will tell you
Not always. Check the California DOT website for real-time chain map. But always good to have it with you when travelling in snowy areas.
Check the weather report too, otherwise you might get snowed in when all the roads out require chains.
It's a good idea to carry them with you when you travel up there in the winter. If you don't use them, you can just return them to the store.
DOT or GTFO
I’ve encountered chain control numerous times. Only reason I drive AWD is so I don’t have to deal with the chains. Sometimes it just happens out of nowhere. You have to check the weather on a few key areas like Donner lake or the mountain roads leading to South Lake Tahoe. Only way to know you don’t need them if it’s gonna be sunny for days.
Since you are asking this question I urge you to stay off our roads.
This is a bad assumption. We don’t use chains in the Midwest to drive in snow.
I went to college in the mid west, 4.5 years, never put on chains. Your point?
If its snowing, you’d definitely need them unless you have an all whee drive
Or 4wd.
With snow tires. Summer tires won't do shit in snow even with 4wd/awd