Jackson Hole Weather Apr 25-May 1, 2022

JACKSON, Wyo. — The last week of April is starting out with milder temperatures and drier conditions compared to recent weeks. The pattern will turn more unsettled over the second half of the week with scattered showers on Wednesday followed by more widespread showers and cooler temperatures from Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon.

April 18-24 Recap

Last week was not as cold or snowy as the prior week, but conditions remained unsettled with temperatures running below average. With less than a week left in April, this is on track to be one of the top 10 coldest Aprils in Jackson Hole since the early 1900s.

The warmest temperature in Jackson last week was 58ºF on Monday, April 19 and the coldest temperature was 22ºF on Sunday, April 25. Average highs are in the mid 50s at this time of year, but highs in Jackson only exceeded 50 degrees on two days last week.

Precipitation in the valley last week was very light with seven-day totals ranging from 0.03-0.15 inches. Above 9,000 feet, precipitation was much higher with 7-day totals of 1.0 to 1.1 inches, while Jackson Hole’s Mid-Mountain weather station at 8,000 feet received 0.43 inches.

Snowfall over the previous seven days ranged from 9-12 inches above 9,000 feet with 3 inches at 8,000 feet and a trace in the Town of Jackson.

The current snow depth at the Rendezvous Bowl Plot at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (9,580 feet) is 95 inches, which is 92% of the average value for the date of 103 inches.

For the Teton Range, the amount of water contained in the snowpack (known as snow water equivalent) is 70-81% of average for the date, while Wyoming’s Snake River Basin as a whole is a bit higher at 89% of average.

These numbers have improved since last month due to late-season snowfall and well-below average temperatures leading to a delay in snowmelt across the mid to higher elevations.

Forecast for Monday (4/25) to Sunday (5/1)

High pressure is resulting in a milder start to the week with mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies and light winds on Monday. Highs will top out in the mid 50s in the valley, which is warmer compared to recent days at least.

On Tuesday, the warm-up will continue with highs pushing 60 in the valley. However, clouds will be on the increase and winds will become strong out of the south/southwest in advance of an approaching disturbance.

This disturbance will only deliver a glancing blow to Jackson Hole in terms of precipitation with scattered light showers developing on Tuesday evening before clearing out later in the night. Snow levels will range from 7,500-8,500 feet.

Another disturbance will arrive during the day on Wednesday, with showers developing from approximately late Wednesday morning through late Wednesday afternoon. Showers will be more numerous compared to Tuesday with snow levels ranging from 7,500-8,500 feet. A thunderstorm is possible on Wednesday afternoon as well.

Late in the week, a stronger storm system will approach with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms developing on Thursday afternoon, becoming more numerous on Thursday evening. We will be in a mild south/southwest flow with showers expected both in the mountains and the valley.

Snow levels will remain in the 7,500-8,500 foot range during the afternoon and early evening hours, then a cold front will arrive later Thursday night.

Behind the cold front, a moist northwest flow will result in numerous snow showers re-developing over the Tetons during the day on Friday with low snow levels. These showers will be more terrain-driven and will favor the western slopes and upper eastern slopes of the Tetons.

The northwest winds will have a “rain shadow” effect over the Jackson Hole Valley on Friday with fewer/lighter snow showers expected. A colder airmass will result in snow levels extending down to the valley floor on Friday but accumulations are unlikely down low.

Across the higher elevations, several inches of snow can be expected from Thursday night through Friday. Temperatures will be colder at all elevations on Friday and gusty winds will result in brisk conditions.

We will see a break in the pattern on Saturday with clearing skies, lighter winds, and milder temperatures. Another storm is possible on Sunday, but confidence is low on the storm track and our resulting precipitation potential.

Extended Outlook

A cool and unsettled pattern will persist into the first few days of May with additional periods of rain/snow possible, perhaps even with snow levels down to the valley floor at times.

We should then see a break around the middle of next week with warmer/drier conditions. However, longer range models are hinting at another period of cooler/wetter weather heading into the first weekend of May (May 8th-9th).

Alan Smith, Meteorologist