March ends with a roar
By CHERYL ODDEN
Over the years, a simple phrase has been used to describe the month of March. "In like a lion, out like a lamb," refers to a common March weather pattern.
Not so this year.
Though the month began with lower than average temperatures, only trace amounts of precipitation were reported in the county. And, as is typical, the plains were windswept on a near daily basis.
While March temperatures remained cooler than average, the big weather story of the month was yet to come.
By early Sunday evening, a widespread winter storm began blowing across much of the state. A combination of high wind and snowfall continued Monday, resulting in various depths of snow accumulation.
Monday, the North Dakota Department of Transportation issued a statewide "no travel" advisory for much of the day and Interstate 94 was closed between Bismarck and Fargo.
In McLean County, the heaviest snowfall was in the southern area with 10 inches reported by a Wilton resident. Moving north along U.S. Hwy 83, eight inches were reported in Washburn and 7 inches in Underwood.
Snow totals for Garrison and White Shield were both reported as approximately four inches. Snow accumulation at Max was estimated at three inches. Randy Wagner, Max weather observer, noted that actual measurement was difficult due to ground drifting that produced both banks of snow and bare spots. Similar comments were made by other individuals who provided snow totals.
