Cleanup begins near Shaver Lake after powerful winter storm buries Sierra in snow

SHAVER LAKE, Calif. (KFSN) -- Cleanup efforts are underway near Shaver Lake following a week of intense winter weather that brought heavy snowfall, icy roads and hazardous driving conditions across the Sierra.

At the Hungry Hut, employees spent much of Friday shoveling snow as they worked to reopen the business.

"We're just trying to get it out of here so we can open up, the business open back up, and get things rolling," manager Paula Angus told Action News.

The storm brought a one-two punch. Light snow began falling Monday, quickly covering the ground and rooftops by Tuesday. Conditions worsened Wednesday night as colder air moved in and snow levels dropped.

In all, several feet of new snow now blanket large portions of the Sierra.

"It is quite a lot," Angus said. "I haven't seen it like this. I've lived here (for) three years, and I've never seen it like this."

The snow made for very large snowbanks, and they are only getting bigger as more plow trucks move into the area. It has caused dangerous driving conditions.

On Friday morning, icy conditions on Highway 168 four-lane section caused multiple problems.

Video shared by the California Highway Patrol showed a multi-vehicle spin-out. A PG&E truck and trailer jackknifed as shaded areas near Beal Fire Road turned into sheets of ice.

Despite the hazards and ongoing chain requirements, some travelers continued into the mountains. Ken Farrell and his family drove from Los Angeles for a weekend trip to China Peak.

"It's the first time we've really had any true snow since Christmas time, so it should be pretty exciting," he said.

With warming temperatures on the way, employees at the Hungry Hut say they are ready.

"It has been slow, and now the weekend is about to pick up really quick(ly)," Angus said.

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