JACKSON, Wyo. — We’re now heading into the third week of a mid-winter dry spell with minimal snow chances over the next seven days. Temperatures will be cold this week as well, though a strengthening temperature inversion over the weekend will result in comparatively milder temperatures in the mountains.
January 17-23 Weather Recap
The past week was another dry one for Jackson Hole with one weak storm on Thursday evening (1/20) that produced 3-6 inches of new snow in the Tetons and 2-3 inches of new snow in the Jackson Hole Valley. This is the only snow we’ve received in the past 16 days.
The snowpack in the Tetons is now 96% of average (down from 116% two weeks ago), while the Snake River Basin as a whole, which includes the Snake River and Gros Ventre Ranges, is 103% of average.
Temperatures have been on the chilly side over the past week as a well with varying levels of inversions. The highest temperature in Jackson was 29ºF on Thursday (1/20) and the lowest temperature was -8ºF this morning.
The temperature in Jackson has not risen above freezing since January 7, when it got up to 42ºF.
Forecast for Monday (1/24) to Sunday (1/30)
Partly to mostly cloudy skies can be expected on Monday with highs in the low 20s in the valley as the inversion weakens slightly ahead of an approaching cold front.
The cold front will arrive from the north on Monday evening and we could see a round of light snow showers along and behind the front. This event will not be a big deal and any accumulations will be very light.
This will also be our only real shot of snow this week as a dry pattern resumes in the days to follow. Temperatures will be chilly behind the front at all elevations on Tuesday and will fall well below zero in the valley on Tuesday night.
A weak temperature inversion is expected on Wednesday, then another cold front will arrive from the north on Wednesday night, reinforcing the cold temperatures at all elevations. This front will have little moisture and no snow is expected as a result.
Thursday will be another chilly day across all elevations, then high pressure will strengthen from Friday through Sunday with a stronger inversion developing. Temperatures will warm up to comfortable levels at the mid to upper elevations while the valley will be much colder.
Extended Outlook
The pattern will finally start to turn more active early next week as a storm moves into the Western U.S., but the latest trends are hinting that the storm track won’t be especially favorable for the Tetons and we could end up with a lighter snow event.
The pattern looks to remain unsettled during the second half of next week as well with additional snow chances, though confidence is low in terms of just how strong or frequent the storms will be.
Alan Smith, Meteorologist
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