Ski resorts may open soon after Southland snowstorm

Snow levels dropped across the Southland on Friday, transforming some the higher elevations into a winter wonderland.

Weather officials on Friday said they’ve had reports of snow as low as 3,800 feet and are expecting the snow level to drop even lower.

“We’ve had reports of 3 to 4 inches at elevations above 5,000 feet and we’ve also had a report of snow as low as 3,800 feet as early as 7:30 a.m. this morning,” said meteorologist Scott Sukup of the National Weather Service in Oxnard.

The weather service has said that the cold air drops snow levels “like a rock” on the north slopes of local mountains and the Antelope Valley foothills.

“We are expecting the rain and snow showers to continue,” Sukup said.

It was welcome news for those eager to ski and snowboard.

“We’ve got about 4 to 6 inches of snow and it is continuing to snow right now,” said Kim Hermon of Mountain High winter resort in Wrightwood. Hermon added that snow-making is also in process.

“We’re looking forward to opening as soon as possibly Sunday,” Hermon said. “We’re just starting our season. We’ve got a great winter weather pattern.”

“We’re hoping for Sunday, if not, it’ll be very soon,” she said.

A spokeswoman for Big Bear Mountain Resorts said an opening date had not been set, but the resort was looking to open toward the end of the month.

“They’re getting a little bit of light snow, but we don’t know if the temperatures are cold enough to make our own,” said Brianna Shannon. “We’re keeping our fingers crossed that we’ll be able to open soon.”

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