I have done a little hiking in snow in the past, and plan on do more this spring. I am curious as to the necessity of snow gaiters.

I recently have gotten better pants and boots for the snow, and in my test hikes (like 6 hours max) I don't see that gaiters would add much, my boots already stayed dry. My trips planned in the snow would be older, consolidated snow, not fresh power. My test hikes were in fresh power, but only like 10-12 inches deep before hitting solid ground, (which I would think is similar to consolidated snow many feet deep).

Any thoughts?