Blizzard — Custer Plains, South Dakota

1997-04-05 to 1997-04-06 · Custer Plains, South Dakota

Wider weather episode

Snowfall of 1 to 2 feet was common over the northern Black Hills and northwest plains of South Dakota with 6 to 12 inches reported elsewhere. Maximum snowfall was 34 inches at Lead. Drifts of 5 to 15 feet developed as sustained winds over 45 mph with frequent gusts over 60 mph ripped across the area for nearly 24 hours. Peak winds included 71 mph at Ellsworth AFB, 69 mph at Rapid CIty, 70 mph at Buffalo, and 67 mph at Winner. Almost all roads were blocked or closed and other forms of travel were impossible. Travel was banned in most areas and many emergency response activities were made impossible. Widespread power outages occurred. East of the Black Hills, the problems were compounded by the heavy rain and sleet that fell before the blizzard developed. Hardest hit by the blizzard were ranchers who suffered major livestock losses as calving season was underway.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5593396. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.