Heavy Snow — Big Stone, Minnesota

2023-03-31 · Big Stone, Minnesota

Event narrative

A COOP observer measured 8 inches of snow 2 miles northwest of Big Stone City.

Wider weather episode

A strong low pressure system developed east of the Rockies in Colorado and then moved through the Great Plains and into the Upper Mississippi Valley from the evening of March 30th through the evening of March 31st. This system produced heavy snow across west central Minnesota, along with wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph. Some of the heaviest amounts include 9 inches a mile north-northeast of Browns Valley and 8 inches 2 miles northwest of Big Stone City. Significant blowing and drifting snow resulted.

Impacts included numerous school closures, impassable or closed roads, many stranded vehicles and vehicle accidents, and power outages. In addition, this heavy snow further set the stage for significant spring flooding.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1088393. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.