Need advice: Can I go one inch smaller for winter wheels?

I'd pick the setup I'll actually live with in slush. In California, dedicated winters on the 1993 Mazda RX-7 paid off more than I expected on ice, even on plowed roads. Then you'll know the next fork. That's the whole play. Your commute and mine probably aren't the same, but the test still applies. If the story changes I'll post the new data.

OP update: I tried the earlier suggestion and it only happens under that one condition. Checking again after work.

This is a climate question as much as a tire question. If California only sees a few real storms, a good all-weather on the 1993 Mazda RX-7 can be the saner daily. That's where I'd start. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. That's coming from doing this as an owner, not a shop. Parking it somewhere I can hear it better next time.

I'd pick the setup I'll actually live with in slush. In California, dedicated winters on the 1993 Mazda RX-7 paid off more than I expected on ice, even on plowed roads. Then you'll know the next fork. On “can i go one inch smaller for,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Happy to compare notes if your setup is different. No warning lights, which is why I'm documenting it.

Following up on can i go one inch smaller for: still happening, but I have better notes now. Checking again after work.