So outside of the critiques of US/Canadian alcoholic beverage policy, the broad streams of acceptance seem to be:
1.) Don't run the Ranch w/out snows. No snows = work a start or finish, at best.
---- With AWD and decent tires, you should be able to make most worker locations, there are a couple hills that are more of a struggle, but with proper planning the layout crew can get almost anyone anywhere...
2.) All-seasons have worked for a good number of workers outside of the most challenging conditions, but "Double Caution" for all-seasons and the Ranch.
I have run the ranch in an Expedition with all seasons, but the big truck may make a difference...
Action Plan:
1.) Keep trying to get some used OEMs for my Winterforces.
2.) Watch/listen to the weather in case of exceptional snowfall/ice. Thankfully, my radio tunes the NOAA frequencies.
I would love to see what the Green Diamonds that I ran last year would do on the WRX. We had to follow the green-light/sweep vehicle out the rally route last year from the "Delta/Pumphouse" (we didn't know any our way out otherwise.) I know that I have said this before, but the Green Diamonds were amazing on a heavier, mid-sized sedan on last year's primarily icy surface (traction control OFF).
Thanks to all for their input!
I have been up there in almost every condition, Snows give me a confidence that is not replaceable. I have driven AWD & RWD (trucks & vans), not sure I have driven FWD, I have only been "stuck" three times:
#1) RWD F-150, Street Tires went too far down unplowed road, lucky to get pulled out by passerby (had come-along in process).
#2) RWD E-350 Diesel - Street Tires backed too far into an unplowed drive - pulled out by S*D folks
#3) RWD E-350 Diesel - Street Tires Stuck on Slight incline of all ice (warn day)... Tow Truck
If you are relatively careful and the weather cooperates AWD and ALL Seasons will do just fine for almost every road and worker assignment. In fact based on my experience, RWD and FWD driven carefully with All Seaons will get you to almost all locations.
Now, my wish would be for everyone would be to have AWD & Snows, it would make life a lot easier.
When to be more cautious:
- when it is warn with an ice base: water on the ice creates roads that cannot be walked on and minor hills become impassable -- been up there 2-3 times in these conditions with proper equipment and did not get stuck
- Deep Snow (more than 5-6 inches) cars have a harder time moving through the deeper snow, that said traction is better, 4x4 trucks tend to have a lot of fun
- when we get the mud/ice mix it also very slippery but carefull driving usually does the trick (look to drive on the dirt/mud...)
- after the rally cars polish the road - the create two tracks of really slippery ice, snow to the sides provides better tracktion some of the time
Areas to be more careful
- The northern most stage Camp 30/ East Branch, has one section of road with a big hill, in regular conditions with decent tires not a problem, more importantly the stage can be set-up by bypassing the hill on Growler Club/ Crawl Rd (there is only one position on the road that should be staffed)
- The Ranch: However, this can be set-up without getting into the toughest areas, with a little planning, all staffed locations are on "good" roads, including the finish. If you drive the whole stage to get were you want to go, you will encounter a few stretches of 2-track that can be a little rough.... We have had peopl eget stuck on the ranch trying to get out, I'll work on better maps and directions to try and avoid this issue for this year (we will come fetch you but it can take awhile...)
- The southern most stage: East Fish Lake, Greasy Creek and variations of these stages. I don't recall anyone having problems, but there are a couple hills that could cause trouble given poor road conditions
- There are one or two other hills on the route that could cause trouble, but they are avoidable.
Summary: I can only recall 2-3 occasions where we needed to help the workers a) routed them around a hill during set-up, b) quick tug from parking spot c) on the ranch last year, a few lost sheep that Henry Joy cleaned up for us, not sure if there was a tow involved or just a need to be lead out...
You'll have more fun and a lot more confidence with the Snows - I hope you can find the wheels. If not drive carefully and you will do just fine.
And Thanks!!!