Local Weather April was cold and snowy in Wyoming with a whisper of spring. Due to a family emergency, I spent the month in the Midwest. I traveled to Ohio when my mother broke her back. April in Ohio contrasts greatly with the winter landscape of Wyoming. The month started with green grass and flowering trees: Magnolias, Pear, Redbud, Maple and Dogwood. The plant varieties paint a … [Read more...]
March Nature News: Songbirds return offering rays of hope to Jackson Hole
Listen to the song of the Cassin's Finch — Courtesy of Audubon.org Local Climate March began sunny and blue and the familiar song of the Cassin's Finch filled the air once again. The start of Spring brought bears out of hibernation and the return of many birds to nest and breed: Red-Winged Blackbirds, Red Tail Hawks, Great Blue Herons, Robins, Cassin's Finch and Juncos, just to name a few. … [Read more...]
February Nature News: The Whisper of Spring and the Roar of Mountain Lions
Local Climate February had its mix of sun and snow, but by mid-month we had already reached a snowfall depth of 400 inches, which is the annual average snowfall at 9,000 feet. The white landscape, deep snow, and frigid mornings gave the valley a wintry feel. As the month ended, the sun's warmth whispered spring and that changes will come. Local News Wolves, coyotes, and mountain lions … [Read more...]
January Nature News: Record snowfall, preserving Bighorn Sheep habitat, and the 25th anniversary of Gray Wolf reintroduction
Local Climate January snowfall sets records as storm after storm brought fresh powder to the Tetons By mid-month over 11 feet of snow had fallen in the mountains. Annual snowfall at 9,000 feet is 400 inches and current level is 317 inches. Fortunately, the month ended with warmer temperatures and a bit of sun so the Jackson community could plow, shovel, clear roofs and prepare for February. … [Read more...]
November Nature News: A wonderful shift to winter in Jackson Hole
Local Climate November started warm and dry and we experienced temps into the 50's which is unusual for this area. Fortunately, a winter storm arrived for Thanksgiving and the snow started to accumulate. The recent storm dropped 20 inches of snow and we are enjoying the change to a winter landscape. A great comprehensive source for avalanche advisories, avalanche events, weather … [Read more...]
October Nature News: Arctic cold breaks records in Jackson Hole, National Elk Refuge scales back feeding program
Local Climate Typical October weather is cooler and cloudier as Fall deepens in Jackson Hole. We had a few nice days in the middle of the month. The leaves changed, the light softened and then cold air descended from the north. At the end of the month, overnight temperatures plummeted below zero to break all records. The upcoming winter forecast is "cold and snowy" for this area and that has … [Read more...]
August: TOTAL solar eclipse, busy valley, light changes
August flows with a pulse of anticipation. Busy times in a busy valley. Traffic slows. Reservations are required. Trails are crowded. Amidst the busyness, nature continues to thrive. Total solar eclipse is enjoyed by thousands. The winter snow and wet spring has kept the valley greener than usual. Flowers continue at higher elevations. Berries are abundant with huckleberry, serviceberry, … [Read more...]
May- spring arrives to Jackson Hole, RAY of change, infamous Grizzly 390 has new cubs!
The month of May transforms Jackson Hole. Nature is bright, clear, and vibrant. The green valley shines as snow recedes up the mountains. Temperatures greatly affect this rate of change. Rivers become muddy as snowmelt occurs. Animal movement appears to meld with changes in the weather. New flower blossoms are seen daily and birds continue to arrive to nesting territories and others feed chicks. … [Read more...]