Short-Notice Snow Run 2026
Short-Notice Success
The SC4WDC club was invited on short notice to show up in Oakhurst, CA. Thanks to a week-long snow storm, we found a lot of snow.
Run Members
- Marc and Natalia
- Loni with grandkid
- Lori and Mick
- Bobby and Marla
- Nicki and Peter
- Dariusz and Aga
- Wayne and Amy
The Run
Most people decided to drive early Saturday morning. We met at Raley’s parking lot around 9:00 AM, and by 9:30 AM we hit the road. After going North for about 4 miles, we turned toward Sky Ranch Road and continued until the pavement allowed.
We reached first snow around mile 6, when we aired down. We headed toward FS 6S010 and continued for about 5 miles. It was pretty challenging, because the snow was fresh. A lot of fresh powder caused difficulty to get traction. My own lack of experience with driving in snow caused us to get stuck… a lot. I’m glad the “getting stuck” fund is limited to $20, otherwise I would break the bank!
Bobby and Wayne helped me a few times by explaining how to drive in snow: keep momentum, the moment tires lose traction — stop, go backward a bit, and slowly continue forward.
We used winch line, kinetic rope, and straps a lot.
After about 2.5 hours we stopped at the intersection of 6S047Y, where we enjoyed a lunch break for about 3 hours.
We had visitors who hiked by our spot on foot. They were wading in deep snow, so it’s even more amazing.
Around 3:30 PM we turned around, and in about 20 minutes we ended back at the pavement.
Some of us headed back home and decided to stop at Los Banos for dinner. Others went back to hotel rooms to dry out shoes and clothes and prepare before the further trip.
Even though the trip was short notice, I consider it a success.