This report is provided by Cathy Shill, owner of The Hole Hiking Experience.
Nature News-
A major storm hit the valley on January 18 and sixty inches of snow fell in five days. The valley landscape became white. Since this happened in mid-January, it seemed like a long wait for winter to truly begin. For the remainder of the month, storms continued and snow is predicted this week.
Snow is a few feet deep in the valley. Sage is covered. Over 5000 elk are on the elk refuge and about 200 bison. At this point, 200 inches of snow has fallen in the mountains around 8000 feet. This is half of average.
Predators are coming closer to town in search of food. A female mountain lion and two cubs are being moved from Cache Creek. This is a drainage quite close to town and there is concern of conflict. The lions frequent this area since that is where many deer winter. Their main food source.
Last time a lion was moved from that area it died of starvation. We don’t know the intricate workings of the web of life. I wonder what would happen if someone picked me up and set me 200 miles from home. Would I survive? Would I know where to find the deer, the snowshoe hare, a good warm den, rocky terrain that I would like? Last time the lion didn’t.
Three wolves were seen in town after the New Year. They travelled through a subdivision and were visible from people’s backyards. Unsettling to have them so close but we live in the southern end of Jackson Hole where the elk come to winter. The wolves didn’t stick around. It’s a good thing that they moved on. Wolves in town would cause a lot of negative publicity for the species.
Locals are in winter mode so enjoying different types of recreation. The new snow has allowed the ski paths to be groomed. For a current schedule contact Jackson Hole Parks and Recreation, the trails are set throughout the valley. Teton Pines is always great for skate skiing and is groomed daily. There is a minimal fee. Snowshoe tours have been awesome and you can’t beat time beneath the Teton peaks.
Avalanche danger will be a concern this entire season. The long stretch of high pressure has made the snowpack very unstable. Each storm cycle results in huge avalanches. Six foot fractures are common. Let’s manifest a safe season for all the backcountry enthusiasts with proper decision making.
It is nice to have snow and the true start to winter.
What’s in the woods-
1/1- Happy New Year!!! Recent storm increased elk numbers on refuge by a few hundred
1/6- Flat Creek- two mature swans and five cygnets, male/female barrow’s goldeneye
1/8- bald eagle soaring over snake river
1/10- gros ventre road- two moose, numerous bison, shadow mountain- clark’s nutcrackers, howling coyotes
1/12- rafter J- cow and calf moose near willows
1/14- taggert lake- male/female pine siskins
1/17- high school butte- ravens, mature bald eagle, mature golden eagle playing on thermals
1/18-1/21- five feet of snow fell in mountains
1/24- cow moose at base of Teton pass
1/29- fish creek, Wilson, Wyoming- cow and calf moose feeding in stream.
1/30- snow
1/31- golden eagle soaring above town
Tour Suggestion-
I lived in Idaho for many years and moved back to Jackson last summer. It has been fun to discover new walks near town. In the winter, many hillsides are closed for wintering wildlife so options are limited. One of my favorites is High School Butte. It’s right in town and a good uphill walk. You can access the trail by turning onto South Park Loop Road near the Maverick Gas Station south of town. You drive to the first four-way stop near the middle school. Turn right and you will see the trail starting up the southwest side of the butte. I park on the left on a side street. The trail climbs steeply up the butte and is probably about a mile round trip. Soaring ravens and eagles are often seen. It doesn’t take long and gets your heart rate up. Yak traks are helpful since the trail can get slippery. Have fun!
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