A unique meteorological condition led to very significant heavy snow over central and eastern North Dakota on December 30, 2006. An upper level low cut off over the southwest part of the United States and transported Gulf of Mexico moisture northward.
Every event with a place to put it; 14 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS BIS wrote it up.
A unique meteorological condition led to very significant heavy snow over central and eastern North Dakota on December 30, 2006. An upper level low cut off over the southwest part of the United States and transported Gulf of Mexico moisture northward. At the same time a second upper level low cut off along the Montana and North Dakota border and acted to pull this moisture into North Dakota. The event was a heavy snow event as the surface low and pressure gradient were relatively weak and did not cause gusty wind or blowing snow. The highest snow totals, in excess of 10 inches, were from Bismarck, to Hazelton, Wishek, and Ashley, and through parts of Stutsman and Foster counties. These were the most significant snow amounts in these areas, from a single storm, in about seven winter seasons. The sheriff in several counties advised no travel. Snow plows were pulled off the highways from Wishek and Gackle, through Medina, Jamestown, and Carrington, to Rolla, due to the low visibility in heavy falling snow. There were many accidents and vehicles in ditches, at least 41 in the Bismarck area and more than 50 in the Jamestown area alone. A church in Jamestown was used as a shelter for 86 stranded people.
The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
17 heavy snow. Local standard time, as filed.
Eight to 10 inches of snow fell in the western part of the county. Snow plows were pulled off the highways.
Sixteen inches of snow fell at Ashley. Plows were ordered off the highways.
Fourteen inches of snow fell at Hazelton and 11 inches of snow fell at Hague.
Nine inches of snow fell at Fort Yates.
Ten inches of snow fell at Mandan. Only five inches fell at New Salem and less than one inch fell at Hebron.
Ten inches of snow fell at National Weather Service Bismarck. At least 41 reports of accidents or vehicles in the ditches.
Twelve inches of snow fell at Steele. No travel was advised.
Eleven inches of snow fell at Kulm. Snow plows were pulled off the highways.
Ten inches of snow fell at Napoleon and Gackle. Snow plows were pulled off the highways.
Eleven inches of snow fell at Montpelier. No travel was advised. Snow plows were pulled off the highways. More than 50 accidents or vehicles in the ditches were reported. Eighty-six stranded people received food and shelter at a city church.
Ten inches of snow fell three miles west of McHenry, and ten inches of snow fell at Carrington. Snow plows were pulled off the highways.
Ten to twelve inches of snow fell across the county.
Ten inches of snow fell at Washburn and seven inches fell at both Underwood and Garrison. The western parts of the county had an inch or less of snow.
Ten inches of snow fell across the county. Snow plows were pulled off the highways.
Nine inches of snow fell at Rugby. Snow plows were pulled off highways.
Eight inches of snow fell at Rolla. Snow plows were pulled off the highways.
Eight inches of snow fell two miles northeast of Towner.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in North Dakota in 2006Every state in 2006This day in weather historyWarnings in North Dakota, December 2006
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-10-01. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 5599, 5605, 5607, 5609, 5615, 5617, 5621, 5600, 5601, 5627, 5630, 5633, 5694, 5697, 5688, 5689, 5691.