VSC/ABS/4 low

[pcut]

We drove up Horse Canyon, over the Tavaputs Plateau and down to Range Creek last weekend. There was at least a foot of snow in some of the north facing stretches which were fine going up and down to Range Creek since there had been little if any traffic before we were there. Coming out was a different story- pucker factor was fairly high because of the packed down roads and steep grades. While we all made it down safely, it was not fun to watch( or be in) a loaded 100 series start sliding sideways with 1000 foot drop offs and no guard rails. In considering the experience I wanted to ask the Mud brain trust whether it is better, on a steep, slippery slope to lock the diff (which turns off the VSC), put the truck in 4 low and first gear and crawl down, or not lock the diff, put the truck on 4 low and crawl down. Or does it matter since the ABS will engage if you start sliding and have to use the brakes?
What say ye?

 

[OregonLC]

4lo and 1st gear helps to keep the energy low but at the end of the day traction is traction. Best would be chains. I know a few roads around here like that and I wouldn't attempt without them. With sufficient gear you could also do it safely with a winch (assuming you had anchor points) but it would be painfully slow for any distance.