JACKSON, Wyo. — Jackson Hole is experiencing a nice storm cycle during the first few days of 2021. The first storm produced 6-12 inches of low-density snow in the Tetons on Saturday, and a second storm deposited another 5-8 inches of snow on Sunday.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s Rendezvous Bowl Plot recorded 18 inches of total snowfall from Saturday morning through Monday morning. Skiing conditions are good right now with soft snow and snowpack that is right around average. Enjoy the new snow while you can, because it’s looking like conditions will dry out heading into mid-January.
Next storm to bring more snow from Monday night through Tuesday
The third and final storm of this cycle looks like it will be the strongest one yet. The National Weather Service in Riverton has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains from 3 p.m. on Monday through 3 p.m. on Tuesday and a Winter Weather Advisory for the Jackson Hole Valley.
Ahead of the storm, we’ll see a break during the day on Monday with mostly cloudy skies and warmer temperatures – highs in the mid 30s in the valley and mid 20s at 9,000 feet.
Snow showers will arrive late in the day before giving way to heavy snow on Monday night along with strong southwest winds. A cold front will arrive early Tuesday morning, with winds shifting to northwest and remaining strong throughout the day Tuesday.
The heaviest snowfall rates will occur overnight Monday night with light to moderate snow showers continuing throughout the day on Tuesday. The most difficult travel conditions are expected during the Tuesday morning commute.
Total snowfall from Monday night through Tuesday afternoon will range from 7-14 inches in the Tetons and 3-6 inches in the Jackson Hole Valley.
Tuesday is looking like a nice powder day for skiers at the resorts. However, dangerous avalanche conditions are expected due to new snow, density changes, strong winds and pre-existing weak layers. Be sure to check the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center Forecast for the latest conditions.
Drier pattern expected heading into mid-January
While we’re experiencing a nice pattern for snowfall right now, unfortunately for skiers and snow enthusiasts, Monday night’s storm might be the last good storm for a while as the pattern turns less favorable.
Another weak system will bring some light snow on Thursday, and there’s a chance we could be brushed by another weak system on Saturday or Sunday as well.
However, the overall pattern will become less conducive to heavy or consistent snowfall heading into the week of January 10-17 as high pressure becomes the dominant feature across the Western U.S. Not a good look during a time of year when we expect consistent snowfall in the Tetons.
We may occasionally see a weak storm break through the ridge of high pressure with light snow chances during this period, but the potential for anything more than light snow is low.
Hopefully, we’ll get back into a more active pattern heading into late January. In the meantime, enjoy the snow we’re getting right now before this mid-January dry spell takes hold.
