A surface low pressure system tracked from north of Winnipeg (Canada) to the Minnesota arrowhead, bringing the first winter storm of the season.  Several light snow events in the days prior to this event had left some snow cover over most of eastern North Dakota and the northwest quarter of Minnesota.  4 to 6 inches of snow depth was reported along a Langdon to Devils Lake to Finley (all ND) to Ada (MN) line.  However, the first part of December also brought near-record warmth.  Temperatures on saturday the 11th climbed into the upper 30s to middle 40s, putting a good crust on the snowpack.  The above-freezing temperatures held into the early part of sunday (12th), so the precipitation began as a rain/freezing rain mix.  The rain also helped melt some of the snowpack and keep it crusted.  As temperatures fell sunday, any slushy or wet spots turned to ice.  Wind speeds also increased as the low pressure system passed through, with many locations reporting gusts over 50 mph.  Wind sensors at Hallock, Fisher, St. Vincent, and 8 miles west of Donaldson (all in extreme northwest MN) reported gusts over 58 mph.  These strong winds, in addition to some light snow showers, produced whiteout conditions at times.  The worst visibilities occurred in the northern red river valley, where trucks were routed off Interstate 29 for a time.  Highway departments in other areas urged people to use extreme caution if they had to venture out.

Winter Storm in BARNES, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-DEC-04 21:20:00 to 12-DEC-04 15:33:00 (CST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Winter Storm in CAVALIER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-DEC-04 21:20:00 to 12-DEC-04 15:33:00 (CST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Winter Storm in STEELE, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-DEC-04 21:20:00 to 12-DEC-04 15:33:00 (CST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Winter Storm in WESTERN WALSH, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-DEC-04 21:20:00 to 12-DEC-04 15:33:00 (CST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Winter Storm in EASTERN WALSH, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-DEC-04 21:20:00 to 12-DEC-04 15:33:00 (CST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Winter Storm in PEMBINA, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-DEC-04 21:20:00 to 12-DEC-04 15:33:00 (CST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Winter Storm in TRAILL, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-DEC-04 21:20:00 to 12-DEC-04 15:33:00 (CST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Winter Storm in GRIGGS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-DEC-04 21:20:00 to 12-DEC-04 15:33:00 (CST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Winter Storm in GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-DEC-04 21:20:00 to 12-DEC-04 15:33:00 (CST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Winter Storm in CASS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-DEC-04 21:20:00 to 12-DEC-04 15:33:00 (CST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Winter Storm in EDDY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-DEC-04 21:20:00 to 12-DEC-04 15:33:00 (CST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Winter Storm in TOWNER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-DEC-04 21:20:00 to 12-DEC-04 15:33:00 (CST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Winter Storm in NELSON, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-DEC-04 21:20:00 to 12-DEC-04 15:33:00 (CST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Winter Storm in BENSON, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-DEC-04 21:20:00 to 12-DEC-04 15:33:00 (CST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

Winter Storm in RAMSEY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 11-DEC-04 21:20:00 to 12-DEC-04 15:33:00 (CST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.