Winter tires are also recommended for Americans too says Consumer Reports with only 21% of Americans considering winter tires vs 58% in Canada. CR explains AWD is not a substitute; winter tires provide a minimum 20% benefit.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/01/are-you-driving-on-winter-tires/index.htm
Update Nov 21, 2019: AMA recommending studded tires for all winter tire purchases. For the next time you need new winter tires: “…technological advances have made today’s studded tires much quieter and far gentler on typical road surfaces.” Stopping distance is extra 5 meters over non-studded winter tires: https://amainsider.com/why-studded-winter-tires/