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SAN DIEGO -- Mount Laguna, Palomar Mountain and Julian are expected to get some serious snow this week -- and that means folks will likely head up to the mountains to play.
According to 10News Meteorologist Megan Parry, snow levels will drop to between 4,000 and 4,500 feet Wednesday night. Mount Laguna and Palomar Mountain could pick up 8 inches up to 2 feet and Julian is expected to get 3 to 6 inches.
With the excitement of snow comes a reminder -- if you decide to head up in elevation you probably won't be the only one, and that can certainly test your patience.
Remember when a snowstorm blanketed the mountains on New Year's Day in 2015? The town of Julian was packed and just getting there took hours -- traffic was completely gridlocked in all directions.
While the crowds are certainly welcome in mountain towns, all of those people suddenly showing up can test the patience of those who live there.
"We love people coming up to the mountain," said Linda Rice, who has owned a home in Mt. Laguna for a decade and moved there full time about a year and a half ago. "But when they sled in your yard, park in your driveway, sit on your porch... one time a truck even pulled up into my yard and someone started shoveling snow into it."
Rice also worries about the traffic, especially since kids are often playing in the snow near roadways.
"There is virtually no traffic control and people drive like crazy," she said. "Drive slow, pay attention and put chains on if they are required."
And bring a trash bag with you, Rice added.
"When the snow melts there are dirty diapers, trash, lots of soda cans and beer cans left behind and we have to clean it up," she said.
Julian resident Anne Garcia sent an email to 10News asking that we also remind folks to be patient.
"If you come to enjoy the snow, remember that Julian has few restaurants, few restrooms and very limited parking," Garcia said. "Put on your best smile, be patient and don't expect to be served lunch or pie in 10 minutes. Don't cut fences to play in the snow or sled on the graves in the cemetery (true story!). And please don't litter."
VIDEO: San Diego is getting soaked!
