The 5 Worst Storms in Idaho History

Let's start all the way back in 1917. It's the most tragic winter related incident to make the cut. 15 miners were killed and 17 others were injured on February 25th in what has been called the North Star Mine Disaster. Luckily, 20 men escaped without harm but to make matters worse, Hailey saw the heaviest snowfall in the cities history over the next three days.

The winter of 1949 has gone down in state history as the most deadly storm ever recorded in Idaho. This storm completely shut down southern Idaho. There were consistently negative temperatures, relentless snow for six weeks, and the whole economy basically shut down. Hundreds of animals starved or froze to death, supplies were dropped in by planes, and commuters were stranded. (Woah, and we thought last year was bad!! See video above.)

This three day ice storm between Grangeville and the Canadian border brought in freezing rain, dense fog, and sub-zero temperatures. 8 inches of ice actually set a national record for ice accumulation and the result was downed power lines and a lot of damage to trees and buildings.

The Sandpoint Blizzard of 1968-69 came without warning and brought in 82 inches of snow! 12 foot snowdrifts made traveling nearly impossible. What a nightmare!!

Oh did we ever set a record last year! Snowpocalypse goes down as one of the top 10 worst winters Idaho has ever seen! People couldn't get out of there neighborhoods, roofs collapsed, and kids were stuck at home on endless snow days. It's certainly a winter we'll be talking about for years to come!