It’s hard to live in Wyoming if you don’t love snow, but sometimes the skies open up a little too much, and brutal blizzards roll in. When that happens, we tend to settle down in our homes for a few days and wait for the storm to pass. Weathering winter storms is a big part of life in Wyoming, but even the most self-sufficient cowboys were affected by one of the worst storms in Wyoming history – the Blizzard of 1949.
70 years ago, the state of Wyoming was devastated by a three day blizzard that nobody saw coming. Winds blew at 65 miles per hour, piling up snow drifts and stranding people everywhere.
Wyoming PBS
Starting on January 2nd, 1949, a three day blizzard roared through Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, South Dakota and Nebraska. After the first storm cleared, the region was hit by more and more snow, with no relief in sight for nearly two months.
Wyoming PBS
Towns were blanketed in snow, with drifts as high as 20 or 30 feet blocking roads and leaving people completely snowed in to their homes.
Wyoming PBS
Anyone who was on the road when the storm rolled in was forced to seek shelter, and local homes and businesses opened up their doors to help those who were stuck.
Wyoming PBS
Travelers were stranded when the ice and snow stopped their trains in their tracks.
Facebook / Union Pacific Museum
Those trains that could make it through had to deal with incredibly high snow drifts, making travel dangerous and potentially deadly.
Facebook / PBS Utah
The Wyoming National Guard worked day and night to bring food and supplies to stranded ranchers and anyone stuck in their homes. These rescue missions and relief efforts certainly helped hundreds of people, but the storm took the life of 76 people all across its path.
Wyoming PBS
Despite efforts from the Federal Government and private relief organziations, one million cattle and livestock died due to the brutal temperatures and snow-covered ground.
Wyoming PBS
Ranchers were devastated as they watched the livestock they raised and depending on perish, as there was nothing they could do to help.
Wyoming PBS
By the time the storms cleared, it had been a brutal few weeks. Wyomingites slowly began piecing their lives back together after the unbelievable Storm of the Century.
Facebook / Twin Cities PBS
PBS has put together an incredible documentary that tells the tragic story of this unforgettable storm. You can watch it online here, and if you’re interested in Wyoming history or if you remember the storm, you’ll find it fascinating.
Wyoming PBS
Facebook / Union Pacific Museum
Facebook / PBS Utah
Facebook / Twin Cities PBS
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