Storm brings snow to an area ravaged by fires and drought

SIERRA NEVADA MOUNTAINS (KFSN) -- The Sierra Nevada Mountains received several inches of snow throughout the day and it's expected to accumulate even more.

A mound of fluffy snow is a sight to see for people who've been hoping for a white Christmas.

"The last two years we haven't really had that much snow this time of year," said Tenaya Lodge Marketing Manager Kathrin Poetter.

At Tenaya lodge near Yosemite National Park, employees estimate they received roughly six to eight inches snow, just on Friday.

"We got up to our cabin here at the lodge and look around and all the sudden look around and everything is white and snowy and it's dumping and it's beautiful," said Josh Errecart of Sacramento.

With the first snowfall, as Patrick Ratzlaff, expects every year the need for expert help seems to drastically increase.

"So without the chains you're going to ride on top of the ice. So the chain breaks the ice and creates traction for the rubber," said Ratzlaff.

Californial law requires that motorists carry tire chains or cables when entering a snowy area. For tourists in a bind, those chains can be rented in Oakhurst, where Rhonda Salisbury of the Sierra Yosemite Visitor's Bureau hopes people will take their business. She said after a summer filled with devastating fires and little to no water, any business makes a difference.

"It is a new beginning. We had a lot of homes, a lot of people lost their homes. So snow is good rain is good," said Salisbury.