Question, Deep Snow options, advise, tips?

When's the last time it has snowed 5 feet in CA?

 

Isn't that more like 1' of snow and not 4 or 5' ?

 

Thought I was the only one thinking that

Somebody already said it, but go in a group!
Pretty sure that episode of Top Gear with the Arctic Trucks were struggling with 5 foot snow drifts and those were purpose built to go to the north pole, so good luck in 4 to 5 feet!

Edit: one more thing, momentum, know where you're going and don't stop unless you have to.

 

Expectations may be a bit unrealistic here. Nagorb and I did Coral Hollow trail after a fresh foot+ snow dump last April on what was intended to be an ordinary wheeling trip, rather than a snow trip.

Somewhere not too much past a foot of fresh snow, the Tacoma simply stops going as it high centers on the fresh snow. There's not enough flotation in even the aired-down tires to keep it on top of a deep fresh snowfall. We didn't go much further than where we took this picture.

Also, you should be aware that all of our National Forest "native surface roads" (aka dirt roads) are closed to wheeled vehicles during most of the snow season. They close the gates and you simply can't get in. There's sometimes good snow wheeling on the MET (Mormon Emigrant Trail, which is paved, but not plowed.)

The spring thaw was in full effect after an extremely dry winter and all roads were opened last spring when the late-spring storm hit and this photo was taken:



Basically, as for normal wheeling, you want lift, oversize tires, rails, bumpers, winch, skids. For a snow trip I'd emphasize the winch more than a normal 4-wheeling trip as you're much more likely to slide off the intended line and need to recover.

 

Thanks a lot for all the input guys, but in the mountains it does snow, not as much as 5ft but it is a possibility to plan for the worse, I've seen it go up to 3ft and had to back out of the trails. Main purpose I ask is hunting. Sometimes we camp out or purposely hit up the storms to follow the deer, and at different elevations, it could be up to 3ft snow , all slush, or just mud.

 

To answer all your questions,
1, we follow the deer, when it rains we call in sick and go up hunting for the deer.
2, deer and bear seasons are closed during spring
3, we usually plan a get away program, for 48 hours of no contact, also pack up for a good 3 day trip, highly possible to extend it to a week or longer of need be, camping setup, propane stoves, tents, icechests. Got a taco with a long bed to carry gear

 

You need to get stuck in order to know your limitations and what you need.

 

Hoping that wouldn't come to it, that's why I'm asking, to be prepared for the incoming seasons

 

To drive through snow its not about power its about going really slow and controlled. if the wheels are spinning and shooting snow you are working to hard. I suggest chains, food, snowshoes, maxtrax, winch, and a buddy.

 

in this order

-chains
-shovel
-winch
-chainsaw (to build a short corduroy ramp/road if you are super dooper stuck)

 

Well, I didnt want to be 'that guy'...but here goes. Let me first establish my credentials- Im from Syracuse. We average 115 inches of snow a year, and Ive been around for worse seasons. SO while other cities get far colder than we do....we win the award for snow. With that being said, let me add some insight for you.

1) Anything deeper than about 2 feet and you physically wont be able to drive. Its just physics...the car gets center hung. You wont just 'plow' through the 'powder'. As snow falls, it compresses the snow underneath it, so that giant fluffy pillow you see may be hard and brittle underneath, just enough to get hung up on.

2) As stated previously, chains. And MAKE SURE you practice putting them on beforehand. Also, be aware that chains shouldnt be used at more than 20 mph. Keep in mind that if you spin the chains too fast, you could loose one and now have a giant steel flail shredding your car from the wheel well outwards. Ive seen it, not pretty.

3) Honestly, with good tires and respectable ground clearance, 8-12 inches is all you are going to be able to navigate on an unpaved surface.

 

Chains, shovel, and a chainsaw I have... ms261c professional grade with spare chains and bars.

 

What?!?! these new snowmobiles and 3" paddle, long tracks behind 180 hp eat that shit up!

 

I have roughly 11" of clearance from the bottom of the rear differentials on my 33" tire Nitto Terra grappler. About 9.5" wide. Now I hear that all terrains are better for snow and sand, also with lots of siping, I haven't actually driven with these tires on snow, but my bfg km2s were terrible on snow, with the large lugs just dug into the snow, as it were designed a self cleaning mud tire. I am considering my next tire to be the 33x12.5 mt/r with kevlars, due to the fact of its rating on off road and snow.

 

4wd would be good

 

That I have, just not a front locker, soon... one day...

 

I usually bring this to bust up the pow...


2015 summit X with 154" X 16" X 2.5" paddle track. I believe it's rated at around 164 hp.

 

I have ~5" clearance with my lift, and in heavy wet fresh snow I stand no chance, that stuff will support the truck belly untill all 4 wheels dig a big hole and hang at full droop. If its light fluff fresh snow, you should be ok less than 2ft anything more and its a fight I give up on. Maxtracks will probably be your best friend, and provide the most bang for buck with snow. And I would never attempt a snow covered backroad by myself, have a second rig

 

Sweet rig you got ! Too bad I live in Cali and it only snows for about 2 to 3 months of the year... off and on that is...

 

Anything over 2ish feet you will be floundering. Not saying it can't be done, but even with extensive modification you're still looking at a lot of side to side slippage in that kind of base depth.

It's like trying to ski a deep powder bowl with narrow track skis, you're sinking too much to maintain momentum.