JACKSON, Wyo. — February’s full moon will reach 99.3% illumination at 1:17 a.m. on Feb. 27 over Jackson Hole.

February’s full moon is known as the “snow moon” due to the heavy snowfall that occurs in February, a sentiment that rings true here in Jackson Hole.

Following Tuesday’s storm, the Rendezvous Bowl Plot at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has received 160 inches of snow during the month of February, which places February 2021 into the top five snowiest months on record since the winter of 1974/1975.

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, February’s full moon has also been called the Bald Eagle Moon or Eagle Moon by the Cree. The Ojibwe called it the Bear Moon and the Tlingit called it the Black Bear Moon, both referring to the time when bear cubs are born. The Dakota also call this the Raccoon Moon, certain Algonquin peoples named it the Groundhog Moon, and the Haida named it Goose Moon.

This month’s full moon also marks the end of the Chinese New Year, celebrated with the Festival of Lanterns.