THURMONT, Md. (WJZ) — You don’t have to climb very high in western Maryland to get a real taste of winter.

Alex DeMetrick reports.

In the Catoctin Mountains above Thurmont and Frederick County, wind made for near whiteout conditions. By late morning, eight inches had piled up.

“They’re saying maybe another six to eight more yet up here on top the mountain,” said Richard Miller.

That made Miller and his Bobcat very popular, as he cleared snow from the long driveways of his neighbors.

Meanwhile, Frederick County crews managed to keep roads clear, thanks to a midnight start and plenty of pre-treating.

“Took us about three hours to pre-treat everything, but it worked pretty well. Most of our roads are mainly wet, even our  mountain areas right now,” said Donny Crum, Frederick County Highways.

But off the roads it was strictly “clear it yourself” for most. Even with a little horsepower, the snow’s consistency made it slow-going.

“It is a wet and heavy snow. It’s hard for the blower to move it,” said Howard Donnelly.

That heavy moisture content was a function of temperature, which helped keep roads mostly wet.

“We’re hoping the temperature stays up like it is now. We just got 36 here so we’re lucky there and moderate temperatures in the mountains so it’s helping us out a great deal. We hope they last awhile,” Crum said.

Even though the temperatures are warmer, it’s still going to take longer for snow at higher elevations to melt than down below in Baltimore.