photo: Sarah Heinrich (KFGO)
BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO KCND) – For many ranchers across North Dakota, the 1997 April blizzard still “burns in the back of their minds” as they prepare their herds for another historic storm arriving this week.
The spring blizzard could bring up to 24 inches of snow to parts of the region, along with strong winds.
Julie Ellingson, the executive vice president of the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, says storms of this magnitude are very significant for ranchers as they continue to care for their cattle, but this storm is arriving in the middle of calving season. Ellingson says this leaves newborn livestock in a vulnerable position.
Ellingson says though the conditions will be dangerous, the snow should bring some much-needed moisture back to grazing pastures.
It is estimated that 123,000 cattle valued at $59 million were lost in the 1997 April blizzard.
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