Here are some of the scenarios I'm concerned about and what I keep in my car just in case. (I was provided some of these items by the vendors to review them and if you buy through these links I'll get a cut.)
Holy cow! There's a TON of snow on the road!
Big surprise, I know, but sometimes the roads are covered in snow and even though I have all wheel drive vehicles with all-season tires I still carry chains. Some vehicles have special requirements for chains so figure that out, then... Buy some chains. (Did you know that some places like Mount Rainier National Park require you to carry chains regardless of your vehicle's capabilities?)
Holy cow! There's way more snow in the trailhead than I thought there was and suddenly my tires can't touch the ground
You don't have to admit it, but we've all gotten stuck in a trailhead full of snow because we thought we had enough clearance. Bring a shovel. Preferably a flat-bladed shovel. I keep my Ortovox avalanche shovel in the car even if I'm not going into avy terrain. Don't need a super lightweight shovel that fits in your pack? Get a collapsible shovel and it won't take up much space.
Holy cow! It's freaking cold while we wait for the road to clear.
When they close the road because of accidents, snow removal, or avalanche danger it can get cold quick. Make sure you have a couple of blankets in the car. Nothing special, just warm. And don't forget a blanket for your pup, too.
Holy cow! There's no cell service here! (I sure wish I could call home and tell them ok.)
One of the great things about the mountains is you can get away from the modern world... except when you need to tell someone in the modern world you're ok. There's no perfect solution to get coverage where there is none, but you can boost a weak signal so you can make calls and send texts. When I tested a weBoost Drive Sleek signal booster on the edge of cell service I had 2.3 times the download speed and 8.9 times the upload speed. That meant I could more reliably make calls and send messages. In one test the difference was between having service and not. (Note: Your phone needs to be in the cradle for this to work. Double check your phone will fit, paying special attention to where power or headphones might connect.)
Holy cow! I have a boo boo after putting on those stupid chains!
You already have a first aid kit in your car, right? Right? There are plenty of options out there ranging from a few bandages to almost professional, but I've never needed anything too crazy. Check out the kits from Protect Life.
Holy cow! I may or may not have left the lights on and now the car won't start.
Again, no need to admit it, but come one, haven't we all left the lights on? If you have a myCharge portable charger you can give yourself a jump or charge all the devices you might possibly have.
Holy cow! It's taking too long to get home. I'm really, really hungry.
Food. Water. Duh. Remember that water freezes so if it's going to be really cold perhaps throw a stove into the car, too.
With luck, you won't encounter any of these divine bovines, but if you do, you'll be more prepared than if you go with an empty trunk. Enjoy the snow.
