Jackson Hole Weather Nov 15-21, 2022

JACKSON, Wyo. — Winter has arrived early this year with heavy snow in early November followed by unseasonably cold temperatures in mid-November. High pressure along the West Coast is resulting in a prolonged dry spell that will last through the remainder of this week, but temperatures will continue to be colder than average at all elevations.

Recent Weather Recap

After four months of consistent above-average warmth from July to October, November has come in as a bit of a shock so far with mid-winter-like conditions over the first two weeks of the month. So far this month, temperatures are running 5.2 degrees below average in the Town of Jackson.

The first 10 days of the month featured an active storm track with frequent rounds of snow. So far this month, the Rendezvous Bowl Plot at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (elevation 9,580 feet) has received 47 inches of snow.

Average snowfall at this location for the month of November as a whole is 58 inches, so we are on pace for an above-average snow month despite the current dry spell.

The Jackson Hole Valley has also received significant early-season snow, mostly stemming from a big storm last week that produced 9.6 inches of snow in the Town of Jackson over a 48-hour period. Winds from the south during this storm negated the rain shadow effect of the Teton Range, allowing for heavy snow to add up in the lower valley.

So far this month, the Town of Jackson has received 12.6 inches of snow, which is already above the historical November average of 11.5 inches even though we are only halfway through the month.

Starting on November 11, a cold and dry pattern commenced across Western Wyoming due to a blocking ridge of high pressure setting up along the West Coast. However, a consistent northerly flow over the Intermountain West has reinforced the cold airmass over Jackson Hole.

From November 11 through 14, high temperatures in the Jackson Hole Valley were only in the upper teens to 20s and low temperatures fell below zero for the first time this year on the mornings of November 13 and 14.

Forecast for Tuesday (11/15) to Monday (11/21)

An extended period of dry weather and below-average temperatures will continue for the rest of this week and into the start of next week.

The only chance of snow will be on Thursday as a disturbance passes east of the area, but we will only see flurries at best from this system.

Areas along and east of the Continental Divide (including Togwotee Pass) in Northern Wyoming will see some light snow accumulations, however, with moderate to heavy accumulations possible in the Big Horn Range and Beartooth Range, so heads up if you are traveling to this part of the state.

Otherwise, it will be a fairly quiet week with cold temperatures being the big story. A reinforcing shot of cold air will arrive from the north on Thursday. This will be most noticeable in the valley in the days to follow with strengthening inversions expected.

Despite the dry pattern, ski resorts are in great shape for opening over the coming days and weeks thanks to the early November snow along with recent cold temperatures, the latter of which has resulted in good snowmaking conditions.

Extended Outlook

High pressure is expected to break down next week in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, and this should open the door to storms returning to the area heading into the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The cold snap should also relent around the middle of next week as milder air from the Pacific Ocean arrives.

Alan Smith, Meteorologist