Chains and cables are for ice, not snow. On the trail, 4 low with your tires aired down works better than both chains and cables, especially in a sloppy mixture of snow and mud or powder. If you have 4wd and there is a chain checkpoint, you likely will just need to show that you have chains in the car. R3 requirements are rare (chains on all vehicles, no exceptions.) Chains that are put on properly are way stronger than cables but aren't necessary for people that live down the hill.
If you don't have experience with chains/cables, practice putting them on your tires at home on dry level ground. Learning to put on chains on the side of an icy highway is not fun or smart. As Tim said, also carry some blocks of wood (1x4 or 2x4) that you can place in the center of the chains and roll on top of to get your wheels off the ground. This allows you to get them nice and tight the first time.
