What began Friday as a “playful time in the snow” for a group of college kids at West Virginia University — who were doing a little day drinking on account of classes being cancelled — quickly turned into a “dangerous and threatening situation” involving riot police, mattress fires, tear gas and “pepper ball” guns, according to officials.

“Students got a little too jovial and I’m afraid got carried away,” said Morgantown Mayor Bill Kawecki, speaking to The Exponent Telegram just hours after the reported clash.

“It’s unfortunate that they couldn’t simply enjoy the snow without turning it into some circumstance where people were in danger,” he said. “As near as I can tell, the university isn’t receiving it very well either.”

WVU officials had to release a statement on Friday night — explaining what happened — after video of the incident went viral on social media.

“West Virginia is an all out war right now,” wrote Barstool Sports in an Instagram post.

Officers can be seen on video using tear gas and compressed air guns on the students, which were reportedly loaded with “pepper balls.” The non-lethal projectiles are basically paintball pellets filled with pepper spray.

It’s unclear whether the cops were campus police or from the Morgantown Police Department. Students were allegedly throwing beer bottles and other debris at them.

“The escalation apparently began when the several hundred students and others who had gathered refused reasonable instructions to disperse…resulting in law enforcement taking action,” explained WVU communications director April Kaull. “University officials will review videos of the situation to determine if any charges should be filed.”

WVU classes have been canceled since Wednesday due to the polar vortex that’s been sweeping through the nation this week. Social media users were blasting the police in Morgantown on Friday for using too much force.

“Kids having fun on a snow day, the police started the problems and caused the situation to escalate,” tweeted one person in response to WVU’s statement. “The use of tear gas was unacceptable! Let the kids sled and keep them safe, we don’t need another Kent State!”