When piles of snow drifted over the Cowboy State during the winter of 2016 – 17, people swore it was the worst winter in history and looked back over the century to compare the snowfall to other record-setting winters.
The tenacious flurries and deep drifts brought memories of the infamous storm of 1949 to the minds of many but, under the heading of the worst blizzard in the state’s history, the snowstorm of 1955 takes the cake. Over the course of 3 days, it dumped about 4 feet of snow on Wyoming, and it still holds the state record for the most snowfall from one storm.
We’re used to winter in Wyoming. It’s just a fact of life. In 1955, however, it appeared that winter simply wouldn’t go away.
Paolo G/Flickr
One day in early April, just when everyone was ready to welcome spring, snow began falling. It wasn’t merely a dusting, either. It was a heavy downpour that just kept coming.
Erin Kinney/Flickr
After 24 hours, over 26 inches of snow had fallen, and it didn’t let up.
Last Best News/YouTube
More than another foot of snow poured out of the sky like powdered sugar out of a sieve, bringing the 2-day total to 39 inches - and it wasn’t over yet.
Erin Kinney/Flickr These measurements were recorded in Sheridan, Wyoming. Actual total inches may have differed in various areas of the state.
The blizzard of 1955 lasted roughly 43 hours, leaving 4 feet of snow behind when it was all said and done.
Last Best News/YouTube Naturally, many businesses closed and schools got a few snow days since drifts blocked the entrance to most homes and buildings.
It just goes to show, no matter how bad you think the snow is in Wyoming, it could always be worse.
anaxolotl/Flickr The April 1955 blizzard had moved in from the northwest, leaving record snowfall everywhere it hit. A Montana Chiropractor and amateur filmmaker captured the storm as it traveled through his town on its way to Wyoming and here’s what he saw:
Do you remember the storms of 1949 and 1955, either from memory or from hearing about them? Would you trade either of them for last winter?
Paolo G/Flickr
Erin Kinney/Flickr
Last Best News/YouTube
These measurements were recorded in Sheridan, Wyoming. Actual total inches may have differed in various areas of the state.
Naturally, many businesses closed and schools got a few snow days since drifts blocked the entrance to most homes and buildings.
anaxolotl/Flickr
The April 1955 blizzard had moved in from the northwest, leaving record snowfall everywhere it hit. A Montana Chiropractor and amateur filmmaker captured the storm as it traveled through his town on its way to Wyoming and here’s what he saw:
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