Why is ground clearance important when driving in deep snow?

Ground clearance is crucial when driving in deep snow primarily because it helps avoid the snowplow effect. When a vehicle has insufficient ground clearance, the front end can become stuck in the snow, allowing the vehicle to act like a snowplow, pushing snow in front of it rather than driving over it. This can lead to the vehicle becoming lodged and immobile.

Higher ground clearance enables the vehicle to ride over snow more effectively, ensuring the undercarriage does not get bogged down in the snow. This not only helps maintain forward momentum but also reduces the risk of the vehicle getting stuck. The other options touch on aspects like speed and traction, but they do not address the primary concern of moving through deep snow without obstruction.