Comparing winters between Boise and CDA (Moscow, St. Maries: how much, live, relocating to)

[amykis5]

I am relocating to CDA soon and was wondering about the major differences with winter weather. I have been to Boise in the winter and it seems to be somewhat mild. How is CDA~~is it colder and snowier? If so how much? Also what type a car is needed in CDA? I did not know if a 4 wheel drive is necessary~~~ Any insight would be great!!!
Thanks!!!!!!

[Trace_Rinaldi]

Amy I would assume its colder, snowier, and cloudier further north, but I cant really comment from experience.
On the vehicle issue though. I have paid attention to what the locals drive, and its a fairly normal cross section of cars, trucks and SUV's. I met a lady (from california of course) who commutes from St. Maries, to Spokane which is about 60 miles, and she just drove a little subcompact car. She said its no problem, and they keep the roads well maintained. I myself would and do prefer to drive a 4 wheel drive, but I wouldnt think its something you absolutely need IMHO. It migh be more important if you live any distance away from maintained roads though.

[DESERTRYDER]

Amy..
Serious differences I have been told.
Was looking at Moscow myself but after many emails from my friend in Moscow including snowy pictures that panhandle weather is tooooo much.
When I saw the pictures with 3 inches of snow it looked awesome.
When I saw the pictures with 5 feet and he could barely get his car out of the driveway.
I started thinking Boise is nice..

[Sage of Sagle]

The difference between Boise and CDA is like two different regions of the country. When we had 5' of snow here in NID, we flew to Boise for soccer and played OUTSIDE...ON GRASS...and yeah, it was cold, but mostly from the wind...and the kids in sweats were fine...where here it was indoor soccer at the fairground building, etc. So going to Boise is no more indicative of NID weather than going to San Francisco is indicative of the Mojave Desert heat, although both are in California.

[mistyriverranch]

I would recommend a 4wd for CDA. Subarus are incredibly popular here as far as passenger cars go.

[Haakon]

Winters are very different between those two. Remember, Boise is a high desert and so doesn't get much moisture at any time of the year. Winters can be chilly, but really gets little snow. CDA is up in the mountains and gets several feet of snow (usually not all at once, but it does happen) every winter.

This last winter CDA had something over 130" total snowfall, Boise had around 10". Even on record setting years Boise doesn't get anywhere near CDA. http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/boi/climo/bo...0snowfalls.txt

I would get a 4x4, not just because of snow in the winter but also for getting up into the mountains on various logging roads and trails at other times of the year, but that might not be something you're interested in.