Do I need snow tire or chain to go up the snow mt.?

It's best to carry chains with you in case CHP requires it.

 

Big Bear will have CHP set up on the highways up the mountain to check for chains when it snows. Usually 4wd is enough, if it's a bad enough storm they may require even 4wd to put on chains. That only happens a couple times a year usually.

Its good to have them in the truck because they'll ask to see them even if you don't have to put them on.

If 2wd then they will require it no matter what if it's snowing

 

A lot of places will takeback and full refund at the end of the season if you did not use the chains at all

 

I have a cabin in the mountains in northern California and have been stopped at Cal Trans checkpoints and asked if I have chains even though I have 4WD. My neighbor who has 4WD was stopped and told to turn around because he did not have chains. I carry a set of chains and have never used them in the past 14 years.

As others have said, California Vehicle Code requires that you carry chains so I do. Generally, CHP will close the roadway in severe conditions before they require chains on vehicle with AWD or 4WD.

 

R3 means ALL vehicles including 4x4s must chain up to pass trough the chain check (not just carry chains, but put them on right then and there). R3 is usually only in effect when we get more than a foot and the plows haven’t been able to keep up with it. In R2 conditions, they will still ask all 4x4s if you’re carrying chains and turn you around if you’re not. In R3, they will turn you around 100% of the time in if you don’t put them on right then and there in front of them. I grew up and lived full-time in Lake Arrowhead for 37 years (and still work in those mountains), so I’ve been through 100s and 100s of chain checks. They are way way more more strict now than ever because the sheer amount of tourists that come up these days is 10xs more than even 10 years ago. People rush up the mountain in droves the minute the first snowflake falls, and it’s an absolute shitshow every storm now, with stuck and crashed cars blocking traffic all over the place, every damn storm now. So the chain checks are super strict these days, and it can sometimes take hours of waiting in line to get through them when the snow is fresh. I’ve seen more dumb asses than I can remember wait in line for an hour or 2 just to get denied and turned around because they don’t have chains. I even used to make side cash as a chain installer.

OP, right now there are no chain checks in the Big Bear area because it hasn’t snowed for over 2 weeks. All roads are clear (except maybe some dirt trails). So you won’t be stopped or asked for chains until it snows again. But, the law requires you to still carry them in the winter months, so I would definitely buy some if you plan to come again up after right now.

 

Lived in Reno-tahoe for a long time. My stock 2nd gen TRD sport 4x4 with AT tires made it through every winter with no chains.

 

https://dot.ca.gov/travel/winter-driving-tips/chain-requirements

 

I went up during an R2 recently, was in a Wrangler and they didn't even check if my tires were actually snow rated.

What's scary is that when I was coming back down, a car was tailgating me the whole time. There was nowhere to pull over since all the turnouts were packed with people taking off chains and playing in the snow. And then when there was a passing lane the guy didn't pass me no matter how slow I would go...

 

I commute 80 miles per day. The stock Goodyear tires did fine last winter but newer more aggressive mud/snow tires with 4wd engaged has been working fine. I've had no need to use chains.

 

Yes, I’ve been there many times in the snow (see my Avatar, that was taken last April). I always carry chains (along with blankets, a shovel, water, some food) but have only ever needed to chain-up if I go off-roading in the snow. Still a good idea (and it’s the law) to have them with you. If nothing else you may be able to help someone else who’s stuck and doesn’t have chains.

 

Ain’t no body gotz time 4 chains

 

Ya going up into a new environment, best to be prepared. 6 P System comes into play.

 

You were the tail gating vehicle reference point. Anything you did, it followed. That driver either was too scared to make its own decision thus following your lines or that driver was worried of an accident and left alone.

Either way... I think that driver should not tail gate but I guess it was scared of you leaving them.

 

The stock Goodyear wrangler's are snow rated. It is best to be prepared, when the roads turn to ice chains or cables will save your ass.

$.02...

 

I’ve skied Big Bear since the mid 80s and have never had to chain up. At the chain control area I just hear, “4 wheel drive and snow tires... have a nice day”. They maintain 330 really well. I will say, the BB locals can push it pretty hard. Drive safe and use the turn outs. Let someone else take the risk. You should carry chains in case you are required to chain or a storm dumps a load they can’t get plowed before you leave. Know how to install your chains before going up. Know the limitations of your truck. Don’t overestimate your driving skills.

Same story with Mammoth/June. I’ve been up during a couple of good storms too. I have a picture of a 90 HiLux I used to have, in snow up to the sills at Mammoth five days after I bought it. I was carrying chains but didn’t need them.

Your biggest concern is the yahoo who has no snow experience and is going to crash into you. I’m sure you saw that nonsense that went on at Baldy a few weeks ago. A little snow and every knucklehead in the valley heads to the mountains.