Paul,
You seem to be one of the enlightened few (out of the general, driving
public) who've been able to grasp the concept that there is a wide range
of traction/lack of traction available on snow, depending on an equally
wide range of snow/ice conditions. A wet, "greasy" (from salt applied
over several inches of snow, w/o benefit of plowing) 2 or 3 inches of
snow, for example, is far more treacherous than an equal amount of dry
(cold), "crisp" snow of 1" to 6". Unfortunately, the typical driver
hasn't figured out that there is a difference.
In my part of the "snow belt" (near Pittsburgh, PA), we get everything
from freezing rain (but, not nearly as often as, say, the St. Louis
area), to heavy, blizzard-like white-outs. Usually, it doesn't stay
cold enough, long enough to really make it too difficult for road crews
to melt it off with a mixture of corrosives and super-corrosives.
Of course, since salt tends to HOLD moisture on the road, the moisture
often re-freezes as temps drop below 20F, after dark. Of course, since
most drivers aren't aware of this, there are certain periods of the
day/night, during any winter weather event, where, suddenly, there is a
"rash" of skidding accidents. The type of vehicle most likely to be
involved (personal observation): big, fat yuppie-driven SUVs.
People seem to think that, if they have 4 wheel drive, they are immune
from winter driving hazards. They fail to realize, until it's too late,
that correct tires, good balance, low center of gravity and good
car-control skills will win out over technology/"yuppie-ness" most every
time.
BTW, there seems to be a trend, by manufacturers, toward better handling
SUVs. But, without the experience & ability to "read the road/snow",
they're still gonna have trouble.
Bud Osbourne
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-spridgets@Autox.Team.Net
[mailto:owner-spridgets@Autox.Team.Net] On Behalf Of Paul Asgeirsson
Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2007 4:59 PM
To: David Lieb; Spridget List
Subject: Re: Bumper cars in Portland Oregon!
Hi David,
Not very steep, maybe 3 percent grade. The problem is this is packed
snow
at close to the melt point, and when you put the extra weight of a
vehicle
tire on it, that area liquifies. It becomes extremely slippery.
If this snow was at about 15 or 20 degrees, you'd have fairly decent
traction.
Paul A
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