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.  In Minnesota, a fisherman became stranded on Upper Red Lake, when the blinding wind hit.  The man set up his portable fishhouse with a small propane stove, and was rescued safely after using his cellphone to call for help.

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

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

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

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

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

Winter Storm in LAKE OF THE WOODS, MINNESOTA
From 11-DEC-04 21:20:00 to 12-DEC-04 15:33:00 (CST)
Reported by: OFFICIAL NWS OBS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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