Since I see you are avoiding mountains now (good plan), any expertise I might have is made null...
Still wouldn’t go anywhere in the winter without CB radio, chains/cables, siped snow tires, and enough gear/food for 3 days with a dead car (including an independent means of making fire).
Most folks get in trouble up here by figuring their car can keep them warm. Rope, a few wool army blankets, and a couple tarps don’t take up much room, but you’d be amazed at what one can do with them when the chips are down.
Just sayin’...
Have a good trip.
Getting good advice so I could refine and clean up the itinerary was the point of this thread. ;)