Winter Cycling - Whats a good tread pattern for snow?

Not looking to get studded tires. Just looking for something cheap (under $18 each) to use in the winter and snow.

Is there any tread design that seems to work best? Big lugs, small, wide, narrow, ect...
Anything to look for in a front tire or a rear tire specifically?
Any pressure rating to look for? low, high?

Its going on a 2002 Specialized Rockhopper with 26" tires.

I am looking at these which are all pretty much the same price.
Any better with flats then another?

Thanks

GEAX Sedona 26x2.0


Nashbar Multi-Purpose Tire 26x1.95


Geax Hook 200 ATB Tire 26x2.0


Geax Warp 215 26x2.15 Tire


Geax Beaumont 200 ATB Tire 26x2.0


GEAX BLADE ATB TIRE 26x2.0

I will vary quite a bit given snow conditions, but the main thing you want is a self cleaning tire so thatb the lugs don't get crammed with snow making it really slippery. I'd say the Geax Hook 200 ATB Tire 26x2.0
looks best for the kind of snow we get around here, but YMMV.

I think that the geax hook on the back of the bike+ the blade on the front of the bike is the best for most snow conditions. Paddle tread on the hook is good for rear-wheel traction, while the deep, wide lugs on the blade clear snow well.

I have the Geax blade and it is great for a rear tire. It is murder on dry pavement though.

Nashbar just lowered the price on the Geax blade so i picked up 2. Cant wait to see that green sidewall on a silver and orange bike :D

Of all the tires I've tried the Maxxis Wet Scream has been the best in the snow. The draw back is high rolling resistance on dry ground and squirrelly handling on pavement or hardpack. I've never had a flat with these tires.

Even in winter in many places you will be on wet or dry bare pavement more than snow. If this is the case you may want to consider a tire which is more multi purpose such as the Specialized Crossroad.