There’s no ignoring it – the snow is back in North Dakota and we’ll be seeing more of it as the winter goes on. Most of the state is seeing winter weather at this point, with dustings of snow across the prairie and temperatures already down in the single digits some days. We have even seen record-breaking snowfall this year in October, but no amount of snowfall has yet to compete with the snowiest year on record for ND. Whether you were there for it yourself or have heard the many stories from those who experienced it, here is that unforgettable year of insane snowfall:
North Dakota is no stranger to heavy snowfall. The average yearly snowfall ranges from a whopping 26-38 inches, depending where you are in the state. Add on a mostly treeless, windy prairie landscape and you end up with drifts as tall as houses.
Julie Falk/Flickr
We see blizzard conditions most every year, with low visibility, drift-covered roads, and freezing temperatures. But no year has topped the single worst blizzard in North Dakota history: the blizzard of 1966. It happened in March of that year.
Wes Peck/Flickr
The massive 1966 blizzard dropped the yearly average amount of snowfall in just three days. Most of the state saw over 30 inches of snow. A combination of the heavy snowfall and wind gusts of up to, insanely, 100 mph, and drifts of over 20ft of snow were created. It’s this blizzard that created this iconic photograph:
Collection of Dr. Herbert Kroehl/NOAA
The 1966 blizzard unfortunately was a deadly one. Hundreds of people were stranded in the snow and, sadly, multiple people died. Thousands of livestock animals also perished. Businesses and homes were completely covered by snow and it took days to dig everyone out. Regular day-to-day life in the Peace Garden State was brought to a complete standstill.
North Dakota State Library
There have been many crazy blizzards over the years, but none come close to the 1966 March blizzard. It was unforgettable and has made its permanent mark on the state’s history.
Erica Hager/Flickr
Do you remember the 1966 blizzard or know someone who remembers it? Even if you weren’t there to experience this one, you might have experienced these other massive blizzards – the biggest North Dakota has ever seen.
Julie Falk/Flickr
Wes Peck/Flickr
Collection of Dr. Herbert Kroehl/NOAA
North Dakota State Library
Erica Hager/Flickr
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
