profdant139 wrote:
Taking, I guess I am spoiled by the snow at high altitude in the Eastern Sierra, which tends to be very fluffy. The stuff on the western side is often denser, but I am sure it is nothing like the sludge you are describing.
Yes, I understand western snow. Years ago as a young man I worked at an Arco Gas Station across the street from Whittier College. Twice my boss told a customer that he knew a kid from Chicago who knew how to drive a car back down the mountain after a substantial snowfall. It was good money and one of the cars was one of those new rear-engine cars - a Corvair Monza.
You have thought this issue through very well and it sounds like you do have some good snow driving experience as well. Your thoughts on using a blade and/or compacting the snow will work better on the dryer snows. The wetter snows pack quickly into ice and are harder to drive, especially when hitched. Backing up will also be more difficult on wetter snow.
Consider having some sand, gravel or traction mats to throw under wheels that have lost traction. Gravel is lighter then sand and actually works better. I've also used scraps of carpeting and doormats in a pinch.
Tires are also a big part of the total equation. Aggressive tread is important but the rubber compound is also important. I once used "mud tires", not "snow tires", and the rubber on the mud tires seemed to be too hard and didn't seem to grab the snow as well as the snow tires. Good tires make a BIG difference. Tire chains might also be a good option for you.
Good luck and I wish you best in your travels.
