Jackson Hole Weather Dec 26, 2022

JACKSON, Wyo. — A mild airmass has taken hold across Western Wyoming early this week, in stark contrast to last week’s arctic blast. A storm will impact the area on Tuesday with rain expected in the valley, while areas above 8,000 feet will see wet/dense snow. More seasonal temperatures will return from Wednesday to Saturday with additional shots of snow.

Recent Weather Recap

Last week was a story of three main weather patterns. First, a strong storm impacted the area on December 20-21 with heavy snow and strong winds. The Tetons above 8,000 feet received 9-16 inches of snow from this storm, and peak wind gusts reached 68 mph at the Jackson Hole Airport at 96 mph at the top of the tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

Following this storm, an arctic cold front arrived on Thursday with temperatures plummeting to -21ºF in Jackson, -22ºF at the top of the tram, and -27ºF in Driggs. High temperatures on Thursday failed to get above zero in both the valley and the mountains.

The cold snap was intense but short-lived as a milder Pacific airmass arrived over the weekend, resulting in several rounds of light snow on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The warm-up was gradual at first, then more substantial on Sunday (Christmas Day) when the high reached 41ºF in Jackson. Light rain also fell across parts of the valley on Sunday afternoon.

Recent warmth aside, December has been an impressive month in terms of snowfall. Snow totals for the month of December so far (as of December 26), include 102 inches at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s Rendezvous Bowl Plot, 75 inches at JHMR’s Mid-Mountain Plot and 58 inches at Grand Targhee. The historical December snowfall average at the Rendezvous Bowl Plot is 90 inches.

Snow totals for the month of December across the lower elevations so far include 39 inches at the JHMR Base Area, 35.7 inches in Moran, 28 inches at the JHMR Base Area and 19.1 inches in the Town of Jackson. The historical December snowfall average at the Rendezvous Bowl Plot is 19.1 inches.

Temperatures for the month of December are running 4.4 degrees colder than normal in the Town of Jackson.

Forecast for Monday (12/26) to Sunday (1/1)

Temperatures will remain mild early this week. Jackson’s high temperature of 41ºF on Christmas Day was the warmest temperature reading since hitting 55º on November 1 – nearly two months ago!

On Monday, we will be in between storm systems but lingering moisture will result in heavy low to mid level cloud cover. We may see partial clearing as the day progresses with highs reaching the low 40s in the valley, while freezing levels will reach as high as 9,000-10,000 feet. Isolated flurries are also possible up high.

On Tuesday, a stronger storm will approach from the west, but mild air will remain in place resulting in a rain/snow mix in the valley and wet snow up high. Snow/rain will begin during the morning hours and will become heavy at times on Tuesday afternoon and evening.

Snow levels will range from 6,500-7,000 feet during the heaviest part of this storm with highs reaching the upper 30s in the valley. Strong southwest winds can also be expected on Tuesday, especially in the afternoon and evening hours.

A cold front will arrive later Tuesday evening, allowing snow levels to fall to the valley floor, but only light snow is expected behind the front, ranging from a trace to an inch in the valley overnight.

Snow totals from Tuesday morning through Wednesday morning above 8,000 feet will range from 5-10 inches, and this snow will be wetter/denser than usual.

On Wednesday, snow showers will redevelop on the backside of the storm with additional light accumulations expected. Temperatures will also be colder with highs in the low 30s in the valley.

Several more disturbances will arrive in the Thursday to Saturday timeframe with additional shots of snow expected. Friday’s disturbance looks the strongest at this time. Temperatures will also be more seasonal with snow levels remaining on the valley floor, while new snow in the mountains will be drier and more powdery compared to Tuesday’s storm.

We may see a relative break in the pattern for Near Year’s Day on Sunday, though there is a slight chance of snow at this time.

Extended Forecast

Next week, a relatively active pattern is expected. Early indications suggest the bulk of the moisture and energy reaching the Western U.S. will pass just to our south into Utah and Colorado, but the Tetons should still see some action on the northern fringe of the storm track. Temperatures will also be on the cooler side of average.

Alan Smith, Meteorologist