Recent storms create winter wonderland in northern portions of Angeles National Forest

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Snow blankets one of the runs to the bottom as well as the main ski lift at Mt. Waterman Ski Resort in the Angeles National Forest north of La Canada Flintridge on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. Recent storms have left a winter wonderland in the higher elevations north of La Canada Flintridge.

(Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

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As a casual hiker walks in the background, Jesse Roman, 1, center, and his brother Thomas, 3, play in the snow after their father David Roman, of Shreman Oaks, made a snowman at Buckhorn Campground in the Angeles National Forest north of La Canada Flintridge on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. Recent storms have left a winter wonderland in the higher elevations north of La Canada Flintridge. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

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David Roman, 37 of Sherman Oaks, takes his two boys, Thomas, 3, and Jesse, 1, on a sled ride at Buckhorn Campground in the Angeles National Forest north of La Canada Flintridge on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. Recent storms have left a winter wonderland in the higher elevations north of La Canada Flintridge. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

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David Roman, 37 of Sherman Oaks, makes a snowman as his sons, Thomas, 3, and Jesse, 1, not pictured, play. in the snow at Buckhorn Campground in the Angeles National Forest north of La Canada Flintridge on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. Recent storms have left a winter wonderland in the higher elevations north of La Canada Flintridge. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

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Jesse Roman, 1, of Sherman Oaks, plays in the snow at Buckhorn Campground in the Angeles National Forest north of La Canada Flintridge on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. Recent storms have left a winter wonderland in the higher elevations north of La Canada Flintridge. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

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Angeles Crest Highway is kept free of snow by Caltrans plows near Buckhorn Campground in the Angeles National Forest north of La Canada Flintridge on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. Recent storms have left a winter wonderland in the higher elevations north of La Canada Flintridge. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

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Recent storms have left a winter wonderland at higher elevations of the Angeles National Forest north of La Canada Flintridge on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. (Raul Roa / Staff Photographer)

By Sara CardineStaff Writer

Dec. 12, 2018 5:35 PM PT

La Cañadans set on a ski weekend may still have to look to mountain resorts like Big Bear and Mammoth for satisfaction, but after last week brought a few inches of rain to Foothill communities, there’s finally snow in Angeles National Forest.

On Friday, Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s deputies patrolling near Angeles Crest Highway’s Mile Marker 54 posted photos of snowy conditions and icy roads on Facebook, advising travelers to use caution and keep chains handy.

Daytrippers took advantage of the situation, driving up Angeles Crest to points like Buckhorn Campground, where they engaged in some homemade snow play.

Owners of Mt. Waterman Ski Lifts reported between 12 and 18 inches of snow had fallen, creating a good foundation but still short of the 2 feet of heavy snow required for lifts to open. For updates on ski conditions, call the Mt. Waterman snow phone at (818) 790-2002.

sara.cardine@latimes.com

Twitter: @SaraCardine