Jackson Hole Weather Oct 26-Nov 1, 2022

JACKSON, Wyo. — Winter conditions arrived last weekend and have continued into the middle part of this week with several rounds of accumulating snow. Areas above 9,000 feet in the Tetons have received 20-25 inches of snow since last weekend. A break in the pattern will occur late this week, followed by a more active pattern with snow chances next week.

October 18-25 Recap

Last week, a significant pattern change occurred as mild and dry weather was replaced by cold and snowy weather. The first storm of this pattern moved through on Saturday and Sunday, depositing heavy snow across the Tetons while the valley saw rain on Saturday followed by a dusting of snow on Sunday.

Another storm moved through on Tuesday with snow accumulating on the valley floor due to colder air in place. The final storm of this cycle is moving through on Wednesday as of this writing and has produced additional snow accumulations in the valley.

As of Wednesday morning, snow totals over the past week include 26 inches at Grand Targhee, 21 inches at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s upper mountain, and 11 inches at mid-mountain. Snow totals in the valley have ranged from 1.5 to 3 inches, most of which fell on Tuesday morning.

Current snow depths (the amount of snow on the ground) include 17 inches at Grand Targhee (9,260 feet), 12 inches at Jackson Hole’s upper mountain (9,580 feet), and 4 inches at mid-mountain (8,180 feet). Yes, winter has arrived in the high country…

High temperatures last week in the Town of Jackson ranged from 37ºF on October 24 to 74ºF on October 19. The latter was almost certainly the last 70-degree day we will see until late next spring. Low temperatures last week ranged from 18ºF on October 20 to 44ºF on October 22.

Forecast for Wednesday (10/26) to Tuesday (11/1)

A quick-hitting storm is moving across the area on Wednesday. A few bursts of heavy snow have already occurred, including some accumulations on the valley floor. Additional snow showers can be expected into Wednesday evening before tapering off overnight.

A break in the pattern will occur from Thursday as a weak ridge of high pressure builds into the area, resulting in dry conditions and warmer (but still cool) daytime temperatures. Highs will reach the 40s each day in the valley but overnight lows will be quite cold.

Despite the dry pattern, we will see a mixture of sun and mid to high level clouds, due to residual moisture from storm systems impacting the Pacific Northwest. Winds should remain on the light to moderate end of the spectrum through Sunday, though.

The next storm will arrive sometime early to mid next week. The latest trends are pushing the onset of the storm back until Tuesday or Wednesday, with only a slight chance of showers for Halloween on Monday/Monday night.

Precipitation chances will be higher on Tuesday and Wednesday. Current trends are hinting at warmer air arriving, which would result in rain for the valley at least at the onset, before eventually changing to all-snow once colder air works its way in.

Extended Outlook

After a storm likely impacts the area around Tuesday (11/1) and/or Wednesday (11/2), a generally active pattern is expected to continue late next week and into the first weekend of November with additional storms possible. Temperatures are expected to be below average as well, which would favor snow levels dropping to the valley floor.

Alan Smith, Meteorologist