Snow weight is based very much on the density of the snow and how much is in the bed, what I posted was based on the entire bed full to the rim and packed which it very seldom is, I would say the avg light snow filled to a center peak about bed height would be closer to 500 to 700 but would be evenly distributed over the axle, I believe a snow machine in a shortbed would put far mar weight behind the axle than in front of it and would therefore account for the sag difference but again, its all just assumptions

 

I grew up driving with sawdust and walnut tread snow tires, in Central Oregon.
We rarely had to use chains and saw a lot of deepsnow.

When I went to Fairbanks, I was amazed that the snow was no more than 2 feet deep and packed down to only a few inches. I had expected to see more snow, than in Oregon.
It was a different climate and the cold and dry, probably kept the snowfall lower.

 

How much does a cubic foot of snow weigh?


https://www.reference.com/science/mu...9dcf91b5f6ae06

 

I would think that would depend on the water content of the snow.
All snow is not the same density.

 

Nor is it the same texture or consistency.

I now know 2 things that I didn't before this thread. 1. If you've never had an accident before, you're an above average driver, has nothing to do with luck or circumstance. 2. All-Season tires with 4wd are all you need to be properly prepared for winter. (Snow tires are just for average or below average drivers and those who don't have 4wd.)

 

Depends on how long you've been driving. Statistically, a driver in the US is in a collision once every seven years. If you drive for seven years and do not get in a collision, then statistically speaking you have a lower than average rate of collisions. However, saying "I've never been in a collision" the day after you get your license means nothing.

All season tires work. That's why they're marketed. Snow tires are not required to drive in the snow. They work, but they're not the only option.

 

When I was in high school, I drove my 71 Chevelle with bias ply tires and no weight in the back. I only drove about 10-15 miles a day, but on weekends I drove 60 miles round trip to work at a ski resort.

I grew up literally on top of a ski hill as well. The only way I could make it up the driveway was in reverse most days that I could make it. Most days after basketball practice I would try a few times in low gear.

It was a straight shot up until it leveled a little all while curving to the right as you steadily climbed to the top. Numerous times I wouldn't make it to the first curve. All you could do at that point was see if it would stop and try to slowly back down without losing it in trees on either side. Of course, it usually didn't stay stopped and you would start sliding backwards. At that point my choice was to see which way the rear end was going and perform PIT move just like in the movies. Lol.

After leaving the driveway, the first two miles was a gravel road that may or may not have been plowed or once in awhile, sanded. Back then it was normal to have over 2 feet of Lake effect snow on the ground always.

I never crashed the Chevelle, my Monte Carlo I had after that or any vehicle I owned UNTIL I had a 4x4 Dakota Quad Cab with new all season tires. (Truck was new and was actually all wheel drive.)

Ice doesn't care if you have 4wd, Awd or 6wd. All seasons are a compromise that you're willing to take, just like driving in 2wd with weight in the bed. Neither are perfect or the best because a good set of snow tires will blow away any naysayers. If you don't think so, you haven't driven one so equipped. To suggest all season tires are "good enough" really makes me question how much driving one does to make such an uninformed statement.

I've been driving at least 50,000 miles a year for the last ten years for work. That's just to get to the job location(I still have to work once I'm there). When I didn't drive for work travel, I still average over 25,000 miles a year personally.
Our winters start in October and some years end in late May(2 years ago we still had visible ice pack on Lake Superior in June). Probably not as long as Alaska, but I bet we get more snowfall overall(average is over 100 inches) with many thaws and freezes. I'm pretty sure those thaws and freezes are far more difficult to drive during than just snow covered roads.
I've had 2 accidents in 30 years of driving. One was black ice and the other was me not paying enough attention to the idiot in front of me. I would never consider myself an above average driver. Someone else can tell me I am and I would say thanks.I know some idiots who've never been in an accident. Probably because a good driver saw the idiot making foolish decisions and thwarted certain death, lol.