One thing about that whole “diamond dust” phenomenon is that it looks best with really bright light. Where are the brightest lights in town? Typically along the Interstate and at car dealerships and gas stations. While there are a few “hot spots” around Bismarck for this, it seems like the most reliable cluster of light spikes is always on the other side of the river. That makes River Road a prime location for putting the lights in the background.

Between Memorial Highway, I-94, the Tesoro refinery, and Heskett Station, Mandan has a large grouping of very bright lights perfect for an ice crystal light display. The most notable prominent feature available for a foreground object is, of course, the Northern Pacific railroad bridge. Since the 1800s it’s been a landmark, and it happens to be in the perfect place to make it a staple in local photography. Remember the phrase, “Location is everything”?

There’s truly only one perfect vantage point for this phenomenon, and I’ve only nailed it once: on the river. The curve of the river bank makes it look like I’m way out there, but I’m not. I’m actually standing near some weeds poking out of the snow behind me! The greatest risk was getting my boots wet should the ice give way under my feet. Even so, it took me several minutes to cautiously poke my way out just far enough, even though it was only several feet from the shore. This is the area where everybody goes to sunbathe and play in the shallow water in the summer.

The complication: that was when the water level was low. This year, however, the Missouri River has been extremely high for WEEKS. That means there is no safe place to even venture along the shore of the river in search of a shot. Don’t try it. If you don’t believe me, go to the boat landing by the Lewis & Clark Lego statues. You’ll see that the water level is extremely high, and not to be trifled with. Always be aware of your conditions when going out on a photography expedition.

Keep an eye out: diamond dust needs these cold temperatures to form. It’s a form of condensation which, unlike fog, condenses straight to solid ice form in the air. Fog is liquid. I’d guess it’s most likely to form when a pocket of warm air comes through and meets the cold, turning its moisture into those ice crystals we know and love. Once again, this phenomenon only allows a fleeting window of opportunity, so be vigilant! It’s a fun thing to pursue…even in the cold.