A once-in-a-decade killer winter is shaping up for Wyoming and Colorado. On its frigid winds rides sub-zero temperatures and snow that could well wipe out Jean and Ian's new cattle herds before they get established.
While checking his cattle ahead of the first snow storm, Jean finds two of the new yearlings killed and partially eaten by a grizzly. Setting off alone to hunt down the bear before it can kill more of the cattle, Jean tracks it deep into the mountains. When he fails to return home a desperate search is launched to find him before the high country is buried under snow.
Meanwhile, in Sweetwater County, Dick Norton's brothers and cousins come to South Pass hunting Jeb. They learn the hard way that taking on one Pelletier means taking them all on.