Chinook Days

In the News

South Dakota Public Broadcasting: Spearfish’s World Record Temperature Change – 1943

What are Chinook Hops?

Chinook hops are a very distinctive dual-purpose hop used for both bittering and flavor/aroma. Chinook hops have a strong and distinctive pine-like aroma and flavor that is not common among other varieties. The flavor/aroma is spicy and unique, with a huge following of loyal fans.

Spearfish holds the world record for the fastest recorded temperature change! On January 22, 1943, at about 7:30 a.m. MST, the temperature in Spearfish was -4 degrees. The Chinook wind picked up speed rapidly, and two minutes later the temperature was 45 degrees above zero. The 49 degree rise in two minutes set a world record that still holds. By 9 a.m. the temperature had risen to 54 degrees. Suddenly, the chinook died down and the temperature tumbled back to -4. The sudden change in temperatures caused glass windows to crack and windshields to instantly frost over.

Chinook is also a hop variety used in brewing beer. The 3 local breweries will be brewing specialty beers to be released for the multiple events over the week! The week of events will commemorate and celebrate this unique event in Spearfish, South Dakota!

The event is being organized by Spread the Tunes, Black Hills Brew Club, BH Nordic Club, Grooming Alliance of Spearfish, Visit Spearfish and the Matthews Opera House.