Grand Teton National Park

March began with a big snowstorm…within 24 hours, over 30 inches of snow fell in the Tetons and over a foot of snow blanketed the valley. The heavy snow and strong winds created a high avalanche danger, once again.

It has been a low snow year here in Jackson Hole, although stunningly beautiful as always. The month began at 76% of average snowfall. Annual snowfall measured at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is typically 400 inches at 9,400 feet. Reaching average snowfall is very important because most of our annual moisture comes during the winter months. Historically, February is a snowy month and more snow is predicted for the next few days. Temperatures have been warmer than usual which does make life easier for wildlife.

Happy New Year! January is the coldest month in Jackson Hole and 2024 begins with a temperature inversion. With high pressure, or sunny days, warm air rises trapping cold air in on the valley floor. The temperature difference can be drastic. Afternoons generally get a bit warmer at lower elevations with the sun’s radiation. Currently, snow remains thin and we end the year at 66% of normal mountain snowfall but it looks like snow is on the way. 

Due to an unseasonably dry November in the Teton region, we start the month with a thin snowpack — currently 54% of average. Snow acts as insulation to help plants, insects and animals survive without being affected by the ambient air temperature. Once covered by about 6-8 inches of snow, the ground will remain at a constant temperature near freezing. It looks like more precipitation is on the way. Hopefully cold temperatures will follow.