Heavy Snow — Coeur D'alene Area, Idaho

1996-11-16 to 1996-11-21 · Coeur D'alene Area, Idaho

Wider weather episode

Ice Storm 96 began on Novemeber 16th with heavy snow falling in Northern Idaho. The morning of the 17th reports from Bonner County at 8 am included 20 inches new snow at Bonner's Ferry, with 5 inches additional on the 18th and 19 inches new at Naples with 6 new on the 18th. November 18th through the 21st schools were closed in Bonner's Ferry with over three feet of new snow at most of the schools. Some roads were closed. Schools were also closed in Couer d'Alene, Sandpoint, in Nezperce and Highland in Lewis County where 14 inches of new snow fell. St. Maries and neighboring communities were without power beginning on the 18th. November 19th freezing rain plagued the North coating many power lines and trees with heavy ice. Clearwater, Idaho and Kootenai Counties were without power due to fallen trees and power lines. In Kootenai County traffic was slowed everywhere. Officals were overwhemled with traffic accidents and snow removal. Three feet of snow also fell at Mullan from the 17th through the 20th, closing I-90 for periods of time as well as many other roadways and Highway 96 at Burma. Effects from this strom were felt through the remainder of the month. By Novemeber 21st, 29 inches of new snow fell at Bonner's Ferry collasping several roofs of homes and buisnesses. On Novemeber 24th, a barn collasped in Kootenai County killing 7 cows. Novemeber 26th, Kootenai and Boundary County residents are still without power. November 27th, narrow roads still blocked in Northern Idaho. By November 28th, a break in the weather after 10 days with snow, freezing rain, fallen trees, and no power, crews were able to begin power restoration work. Damage estimates were around 6 million for Northern Idaho.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5582189. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.