Most North Dakotans see some snow gradually becoming more frequent as winter rolls in once again. Every time it starts to snow here for the first time after the warm months, many people go back in their memories to the snows of winters past. There have been many massive snowstorms and blizzards in North Dakota that forever remain in the minds of those who lived through them. The question "Does it snow in North Dakota?" is so hilarious as to be rhetorical — the Flickertail State is practically synonymous with snow. There is one blizzard in particular that has become pretty much the stuff of legend in North Dakota. Even if you didn't live through the storm personally, there is an iconic image that many people have seen but don't know the story behind. Today, we'll go back to March of 1966, when an absolutely unforgettable storm swept through the state. The North Dakota Blizzard in1966 will live in infamy.

This iconic photo was more than just a black-and-white picture for those living in North Dakota in March of 1966 - it was reality.

The photograph above was taken beside utility poles which had been nearly completely buried in snow. The caption says, jokingly, "I believe there is a train under here somewhere!"

The blizzard began on March 2nd, 1966, and lasted over a period of three days. During that time, more than 30 inches of snow fell in most areas of North Dakota. But the snowfall wasn't the only thing that contributed to this dreadful blizzard. Remarkably powerful wind gusts blew at well over 50 miles per hour - even up to 70 miles per hour at some points - and over 100 miles per hour in other parts of the state. Because of this, visibility was at or near zero in many areas and the snowdrifts created by the wind reached heights of up to 30-40 feet. It was one of the worst blizzards in ND.

The snow accumulation caused a near-complete shutdown of everyday life in the state.

The photo above was shot on the main street of Hague, North Dakota, just after the blizzard. Roads were closed, businesses and homes were snowed in, and statewide warnings to stay indoors were in effect. In one instance, more than 500 passengers of a train were trapped near New Salem, North Dakota, since the rails were completely snowed over. The effects of this 40-foot blizzard in ND were absolutely unprecedented.

As the snow kept falling and the wind kept blowing, the blizzard claimed many victims.

Almost 140,000 head of livestock perished in the blizzard of '66, either trapped out in pasture or from taking shelter in barns that collapsed due to the weight of the snow. Unfortunately, five human lives were also claimed. Two of them were young girls who had gone out to the barn to tend to their family's animals but quickly got lost due to the lack of visibility. The two wandered out into the endless white abyss, where they died from exposure, much to their parents' horror.

Even after the snow stopped coming and the powerful winds died down, it took days to dig everything (and everyone) out in hopes of a return to life as normal.

In the photograph above, men use their shovels to dig a bulldozer out of the drift - a bulldozer meant to be pushing paths through the same snow. Millions of dollars in damage occurred to buildings and farms that had to recover from this North Dakota blizzard with 40 feet of snow long after it was over. It was an exceptionally devastating storm and one that has gone down in history.

Take a look at this video by @therealstory6612:

North Dakotans are resilient - we have to be if we want to live up here where temperatures drop below zero and snow is guaranteed each year - and we managed to get through this blizzard despite its sheer, tragic force. Do you remember the North Dakota Blizzard in 1966 or have family stories of those you know who do? Share your experiences in the comments.

For the upcoming winter season, make sure you're prepared. Layers, coats, and other winter gear from The North Face are especially helpful to protect you from the elements.