Blizzard of 1949 Haylift Operation Photographs

In January 1949, one of the worst recorded blizzards in southeastern Wyoming buried many areas in and between Casper, Douglas, Laramie, and Cheyenne in 10-12 feet of snow. Large numbers of wild and stock animals were lost and hundreds of people were stranded in their homes, businesses, and cars. Several people died or were injured from exposure or accidents in the below freezing temperatures. The Casper air base launched operations "Operating Hay-lift" and "Pitchfork" in an effort to use planes and other military vehicles to deliver 300 tons of hay and fodder to the remaining starving animals during the following six weeks. The Casper air base along with several other out-of-state military forces also appear to have assisted in digging out roads with the overburdened highway department crews, as well as contributing to relief and evacuation efforts. Charles "Chuck" Morrison was a member of a team of staff photographers who captured images of the relief and rescue efforts that followed the blizzard.