On the prairies and flat grasslands, most weather passed swiftly overhead. A rainstorm might last anywhere from ten minutes to three hours, but rarely longer. It was a relief for pioneers not to endure the punishment of the elements for days. They would later have to face the long-winded storms of the Sierra Nevada and Rockies. A willing sacrifice for most, but some of the men turned back. The “elephant” seemed far too large for them to face.
Drought
Drought on the prairies was very common. However it did not pose much of a problem to the pioneers. What did trouble them was a side effect of drought; limited fresh water. Cholera, which had ravaged the pioneers, was spread through the contaminated water they were forced to drink. The water also caused stomach and bowel problems. The travelers were always under threat from one disease of another.
At one place along the trail, what appeared to be fresh water springs bubbled up from the ground. The seemingly clear water was consumed by both pioneers and their livestock. All who drank it were dead by the next day. Some of the wagon trains were intelligent to avoid all water but the fast moving river, and it was these trains that survived the best.
At one place along the trail, what appeared to be fresh water springs bubbled up from the ground. The seemingly clear water was consumed by both pioneers and their livestock. All who drank it were dead by the next day. Some of the wagon trains were intelligent to avoid all water but the fast moving river, and it was these trains that survived the best.
Snowstorms
Snowstorms were not much of a threat out on the open prairies, but later in the mountains it was very important not to get caught by the snowfall. I believe we have all heard of the unfortunate Donner Party who wintered beside Donner Lake where the town of Truckee now stands. They were trapped by an early snowfall and buried under eighteen feet of snow. Some were forced to consume their fallen companions. The last thing the pioneers wanted was a replay of their sad fate.
On the prairies, hail was more of a threat than snow. The hailstones could range anywhere from the size of small pebbles to baseballs. They ripped through the wagon covers, bruised and battered the unlucky settlers, and whipped the oxen into a frenzy. The animals ran in any and every direction, toppling wagons and snapping tongues and wheels. They were not particularly permanent setbacks, but they were a hassle to repair. The repairs were even more bothersome when your carpenter had been hit on the head by a chunk of ice the size of an apple and had a concussion.
On the prairies, hail was more of a threat than snow. The hailstones could range anywhere from the size of small pebbles to baseballs. They ripped through the wagon covers, bruised and battered the unlucky settlers, and whipped the oxen into a frenzy. The animals ran in any and every direction, toppling wagons and snapping tongues and wheels. They were not particularly permanent setbacks, but they were a hassle to repair. The repairs were even more bothersome when your carpenter had been hit on the head by a chunk of ice the size of an apple and had a concussion.