>the snow/ice/grit that accumulates in the wheel wells of cars during these New England winters

naturally, this applies throughout the snowbelt.

didn't we discuss this concept and fail to come up with the word that applies? (snig? nah, reeks of sniglets.)

found this: http://wordsmith.org/board/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=miscellany&Number=56053

(sorry, I should have posted this in Q&A where more would have noticed it.)