Frigid February: More snow and winter accidents plague Western Edge

Feb. 15—DICKINSON — From a sunny 50℉ Monday to a snowy and windy 8° Tuesday, Western Edge weather has been unpredictable to say the least. The warm temperatures and sunny skies gave residents a glimpse of spring, but the abrupt shift in weather to snow and wind served as a reminder that it's still February.

Bismarck National Weather Service Meteorologist Nathan Heinert said they received reports of moderate snowfall around the area with 2.3" in Dickinson, 1.8" in Grassy Butte to the north and the most in Rhame (west of Bowman) which saw 4".

"We're still in a La Niña pattern. So we're still expecting, you know, typical winter-like weather," Heinert said. "So it wasn't really anything out of the ordinary, just had a cold front come through combined with some upper level energy which produced that banding of snow across parts of western North Dakota."

He forecasted mild weather in Dickinson for this weekend and Monday with highs in the 30s and possibly mid-40s, but temps will sharply into the teens for the rest of the week. He also expects more precipitation to accompany the colder temperatures, and that the frigidity will last approximately another month.

"The three to four week outlook, which will take us through to mid-March, still favors below normal temperatures. So once we get into that colder pattern next week, it looks like we might stay in it for the most part. You might have some days with some mild temperatures, but overall we're looking at below normal," Heinert said.

Wednesday afternoon The Dickinson Press also spoke with Stark County Roads Superintendent Al Heiser, who had just returned from the Richardton area checking the road conditions of rural routes such as Highway 10.

"The highways are pretty well cleared off already. We had put out quite a bit of salt and sand this morning... That sun's got quite a bit of power, it's actually chilly out but we stand in the sun there it melts the snow, and the pavement heats up pretty fast too this time of the year," he said. "I think the biggest problem was yesterday we got to 50 degrees the day before the pavement was warm. We got that snow yesterday, it melted and then the temperatures cooled pretty fast so that's why she turned to ice.

Heiser also sought to remind truck drivers to be mindful of height restrictions. He said one such operator near Glen Ullin, N.D. got his rig stuck under a railroad overpass Tuesday evening.

"Those alternate routes get 'em in trouble," Heiser said. "It's signed big as can be 'Low Clearance: No high profile vehicles' but he stuck it tighter than heck underneath there."

The North Dakota Highway Patrol attended to several crashes in the southwest region of the state on February 14 and 15 due to hazardous winter weather conditions. The crashes involved property damage and injuries. Authorities said icy roads, high winds and zero visibility are to blame.

Preliminary information provided by the NDHP indicates that there were several crashes in the region, including a one-vehicle property crash on I-94 near Richardton on February 14 at 1:26 p.m. and a one-vehicle property crash on I-94 near Dickinson at 2:55 p.m. caused by a jackknifed semi that blocked both lanes.

A jackknifed semi-truck crash occurred on Highway 22 near New England approximately one hour later, which caused the trailer to block both lanes of the highway. The road was closed while the vehicle was removed. Subsequently, two crashes occurred on I-94 near Dickinson exit ramp and Highway 22.

Injuries were reported in separate incidents on I-94 near Richardton and Glen Ullin, N.D. with the latter involving a 2010 Volvo truck that lost control and blocked the shoulder and right lane, causing a second vehicle, a 2011 International truck, to clip the Volvo and jackknife. Both vehicles blocked the entire roadway, prompting a road closure that lasted several hours.

Numerous other vehicles also slid into ditches along roadways in Stark, Morton, and Burleigh Counties. State officials urge drivers to exercise caution and reduce their speed when driving on icy roads during winter weather conditions. In the event of an accident, drivers are encouraged to contact the NDHP for assistance.

Be advised that emergency responders remain on-scene of several traffic crashes between Dickinson and the Glen Ullin exit on Interstate 94. There are crashes at mile markers 56, 68, 78, 90, 91 and 110. Please slow down in these areas to allow responders to work safely. Roads are extremely icy. There is blowing snow, accumulating snow and reduced visibility. If you don't have to drive, please stay at home where it's safe.

For more information, visit ND.gov/NDHP or contact the NDHP at (701) 328-2447.