Are AWD vehicles viable in Northern California?

I live in the Bay Area. I'm thinking of getting a new car with AWD option. However even if I wanted to go to the snow in Tahoe, I'd rather just rent a big suv with friends than risk taking my own car up there.AWD is a nice bonus but perhaps to cut costs (~1k) should I just opt out? via /r/cars http://ift.tt/2rFF2sR