COLD VISITOR FROM THE NORTH WINTER STORM BRINGS SNOW TO CHILLY WEEKEND.

Byline: Carol Rock Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - Snow fell on local freeways Friday afternoon as residents braced for a storm from the Gulf of Alaska that promised to bring biting cold weather through the weekend.

The Highway Patrol started traffic breaks at Templin Highway near Castaic, where several collisions had occurred by midafternoon. In the Antelope Valley, at least 15 cars had spun out at the Big Pines Ranger Station.

The National Weather Service forecast snow to fall at the 1,000-foot level overnight and said a winter storm warning - which means a combination of significant amounts of snow, strong winds and dense fog is expected or occurring - is in effect through 3 p.m. Sunday. The average elevation in Santa Clarita is 1,200 feet, guaranteeing at least a dusting of white for most residents.

All major roadways, including the Golden State and Antelope Valley freeways, will be affected, the Weather Service report said. The heaviest snowfall is expected across the mountains of Los Angeles County with accumulating snow expected in the Antelope Valley.

``A lot of people have been in to get snow gear,'' said Matt Tews, a salesman at Sport Chalet in Valencia. ``We're sold out of saucers and sleds. A lot of people are buying skis. We even reordered last week, but it's gone. People are renting skis, too.''

The same rush of customers hit Big 5 Sporting Goods, where assistant manager Danny Garcia said they've had a rush since Thursday afternoon.

``We usually carry lots of snow equipment because we're close to the hills,'' he said. ``We're almost out of everything.''

Snow flurries came and went Friday morning on the Grapevine; in the Antelope Valley, light snow fell, but wasn't sticking.

School was canceled Friday in Frazier Park. Julie Verdon, manager of the Dream Castle Cafe and Bakery in town, was making sure coffee pots were filled for customers seeking a warm spot in the storm.

``It's chilly, but not really cold,'' Verdon said. ``When it's 4 feet of snow on the ground, it'll be cold. Right now it's not overwhelming, just really pretty.''

Los Angeles County fire Capt. Jim Bettencourt, stationed just south of Gorman, watched outdoors as light snow fell.

``It's lightly snowing now,'' he said at midmorning. ``It's not really sticking yet, but we'll see.''

Bettencourt has learned from experience to dress warming on days like this.

``I'm wearing three layers - two pairs of socks and turnout boots,'' he said. ``I have gloves and a beanie - my blue beanie doesn't look too professional with all yellow, but it works for me.''

Staff Writers Patricia Farrell Aidem and Charles F. Bostwick contributed to this story.

Carol Rock, [phone]

carol.rock(at)dailynews.com

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(color) Evan Moses, 7, of Glendale eats some snow from the ground at Mt. Pinos recreation area in Frazier Park on Friday.

Alex Collins/Special to the Daily News