This photography is an iconic image from the Blizzard of 1966 in North Dakota. Captured by Ernie Feland, an employee of the North Dakota Department of Transportation, the photo features his colleague, Bill Koch, standing atop a massive snowdrift beside a telegraph pole. This striking visual underscores the severity of the storm, which deposited snow so deep that it nearly engulfed utility poles.
The Blizzard of 1966 was a catastrophic weather event that paralyzed much of the Northern Plains. Starting in March, the storm unleashed heavy snowfall accompanied by fierce winds, leading to drifts that reached extraordinary heights. Transportation ground to a halt, communities were isolated, and the relentless snow buried infrastructure, as vividly depicted in Feland’s photograph.
This particular image has since become emblematic of North Dakota’s harsh winters. Often referenced in discussions about severe weather, it serves as a testament to the challenges faced by residents during such extreme conditions. The photograph not only documents a moment in history but also highlights the resilience and fortitude of those who endured the blizzard’s aftermath.
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