Local — Weather
The month of August was predominately hot and dry. Trails became dusty and afternoons were spent looking for shade or a place to swim. July’s weather produced tasty berries so trail hikes offered yummy raspberries, serviceberries, huckleberries, and thimbleberries. The lack of moisture raised fire danger and fires in California filled the valley with smoke. The month ended with a break in the weather providing cooler temperatures, a bit of moisture, and clearer skies.
Local — News
Use of our public lands has increased this summer as people seek the solace of nature and open spaces. Both the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park face challenges managing the impact of all the people and protection of the land. We are reminded to tread lightly, leave no trace and store food properly. Read more about it on Buckrail »
Regional — It’s fire season, use caution
August and September are the main fire months in Jackson Hole and this year is no exception. Due to high temperatures and lack of rain, the region is experiencing numerous fires. Parts of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming are ablaze. Fire danger is rated high on all public lands and restrictions are currently in place to limit human-caused ignitions. A smoky haze is common in August and this year the smoke was thick due to the numerous California fires. Partial fire restrictions now in place countywide »
Fire leaves important nutrients and is necessary for healthy forests. Fire management is a balance to determine when and if a fire should be allowed to burn. More on fires from the Teton Interagency Fire Resource:
https://gacc.nifc.gov/gbcc/dispatch/wy-tdc/home/
Spiritual
Hokusai Says
by Robert Keyes
Hokusai says look carefully.
He says pay attention, notice.
He says keep looking, stay curious.
He says there is no end to seeing…
He says everything is alive-
Shells, buildings, people, fish
Mountains, trees. Wood is alive.
Water is alive.
Everything has its own life.
Everything lives inside us.
He says live with the world inside you….
It matters that you care.
It matters that you feel.
It matters that you notice.
It matters that life lives through you…
Look, feel, let life take you by the hand.
Let life live through you.
What’s in the woods
8/3 (National Elk Refuge) Northern Harrier, Redtail Hawks, male Pronghorn.
8/4 (Sheep Creek) endless flowers at 9500 feet- larkspur, asters, buckwheat, Indian paintbrush, flax, groundsel, osha, penstemon, mountain dandelion, sunflowers, geranium, fireweed, lupine
8/6 (Josie’s Ridge) ripe serviceberries, yampah
8/8 (Teton Shelf) bluebird day with endless meadows- osha, larkspur, fireweed, parrots beak, asters, flax, fleabane, lupine, geranium
8/12 fire restrictions begin in the Bridger Teton National Forest. Fire danger is high
8/15 backpack trip in the Wind River Range- lots of edible berries- thimbleberry, raspberry, grouse whortleberry, elderberry, Oregon grape.
8/18 smoke from California fires descends into Jackson Hole and valley becomes smoky
8/22 (Slide Lake) osprey, bald eagle
8/24 (Mail Cabin) fireweed, yampah, thickstem aster, goldeneye, fleabane, Indian paintbrush
8/25 overnight rain cleared some of the smoke from the valley
8/25 (Josie’s Ridge) female northern harrier
8/27 monsoonal moisture brings rain to Jackson Hole
Tour Suggestion
To beat the summer heat, it is fun to get exercise in the mornings when it is cool and spend the afternoon near the water. You can rent a paddle board or kayak and head to a lake or join a local company to raft the Snake River. Choice of activity is dependent on your experience. Parts of the Snake River can be quite challenging. Do your research before you go. Fun lakes for a float would be Slide Lake in the Gros Ventre Mountains or String Lake in Grand Teton Park. You also can’t beat the cold mountain streams and the opportunity to take off your socks, soak your feet, and enjoy the fresh air and beauty. Have fun! Be prepared.
Safety Tips / To Leave No Trace
- Temperatures in the mountains vary dramatically in the fall. Dress in layers and don’t forget to bring a warm layer for morning and evening.
- Never underestimate the power of water. Use extreme caution on local rivers and lakes and wear your PFD’s.
- Fire danger to high on all public lands so be very careful with any flamables.
