Snow Piling Up In Big Bear Lake, Other Mountain Communities

BIG BEAR LAKE (CBSLA.com) — A winter storm piled on snow across the mountain communities of Southern California, including in Big Bear Lake.

The fresh powder prompted the California Highway Patrol to issue orders to drivers Tuesday to move out of the way as drivers looked for help installing chains in the rain.

"I'm having a little trouble. This is my first time coming up here and I'm having trouble putting it on," said Ceasar Zamora, a motorist.

"We YouTubed it. We got the other one pretty good, but this one we're having complications on it. It is not as snug as the other one," Andreas Garcia, another driver, said.

Suffice it to say, chain installers were in high demand heading up to the mountain community.

"I hope we can find a chain installer. We have two cars with the kids in the back, so yeah, we need to," said Eric Day, a driver.

There was a combination of frustrated and easy-going drivers who filled up turnouts.

But the snowy, wet, and cold conditions are what skiers and snowboarders have been hoping for.

"All the ice is covered up and that's pretty great," said Spencer Gravley, a skier. "It's a little bit easier to turn and stop if you're beginning."

Young skiers, which Snow Summit staff calls "little bears," were spotted at the bottom of the mountain.

Some as young as 2 ½ years old – like a little boy name Griffin -- were learning to snowboard.

"Pretty scary for a mom, but he's doing great," said Griffin's mom.

In Wrightwood, Mountain High reported between four to six inches of snow, so far.

A spokesperson for Snow Summit in Big Bear Lake says they've received 13 inches.