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.

Heavy Snow in MCHENRY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 30-DEC-06 09:00:00 to 30-DEC-06 23:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Eight inches of snow fell two miles northeast of Towner.

Heavy Snow in MCLEAN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 30-DEC-06 08:00:00 to 30-DEC-06 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

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.

Heavy Snow in DICKEY, NORTH DAKOTA
From 30-DEC-06 04:00:00 to 30-DEC-06 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Eight to 10 inches of snow fell in the western part of the county. Snow plows were pulled off the highways.

Heavy Snow in FOSTER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 30-DEC-06 07:00:00 to 30-DEC-06 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

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.

Heavy Snow in SHERIDAN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 30-DEC-06 07:00:00 to 30-DEC-06 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Ten to twelve inches of snow fell across the county.

Heavy Snow in LOGAN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 30-DEC-06 05:00:00 to 30-DEC-06 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Ten inches of snow fell at Napoleon and Gackle. Snow plows were pulled off the highways.

Heavy Snow in WELLS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 30-DEC-06 08:00:00 to 30-DEC-06 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Ten inches of snow fell across the county. Snow plows were pulled off the highways.

Heavy Snow in LA MOURE, NORTH DAKOTA
From 30-DEC-06 05:00:00 to 30-DEC-06 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Eleven inches of snow fell at Kulm. Snow plows were pulled off the highways.

Heavy Snow in MORTON, NORTH DAKOTA
From 30-DEC-06 04:00:00 to 30-DEC-06 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Ten inches of snow fell at Mandan. Only five inches fell at New Salem and less than one inch fell at Hebron.

Heavy Snow in BURLEIGH, NORTH DAKOTA
From 30-DEC-06 04:00:00 to 30-DEC-06 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 40.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Ten inches of snow fell at National Weather Service Bismarck. At least 41 reports of accidents or vehicles in the ditches.

Heavy Snow in PIERCE, NORTH DAKOTA
From 30-DEC-06 09:00:00 to 30-DEC-06 23:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Nine inches of snow fell at Rugby. Snow plows were pulled off highways.

Heavy Snow in ROLETTE, NORTH DAKOTA
From 30-DEC-06 09:00:00 to 30-DEC-06 23:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Eight inches of snow fell at Rolla. Snow plows were pulled off the highways.

Heavy Snow in MCINTOSH, NORTH DAKOTA
From 30-DEC-06 04:00:00 to 30-DEC-06 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Sixteen inches of snow fell at Ashley. Plows were ordered off the highways.

Heavy Snow in EMMONS, NORTH DAKOTA
From 30-DEC-06 04:00:00 to 30-DEC-06 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Fourteen inches of snow fell at Hazelton and 11 inches of snow fell at Hague.

Heavy Snow in KIDDER, NORTH DAKOTA
From 30-DEC-06 04:00:00 to 30-DEC-06 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Twelve inches of snow fell at Steele. No travel was advised.

Heavy Snow in STUTSMAN, NORTH DAKOTA
From 30-DEC-06 05:00:00 to 30-DEC-06 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 70.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

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.

Heavy Snow in SIOUX, NORTH DAKOTA
From 30-DEC-06 04:00:00 to 30-DEC-06 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Nine inches of snow fell at Fort Yates.