JACKSON, Wyo. — The past week featured well below average temperatures across Jackson Hole before we finally warmed up to near average over the weekend. From Monday through Friday of last week, temperatures were 10-20 degrees colder than average each day, and we even got into the single digits last Monday with a low of 6 in Jackson Hole.
After six straight days with highs below 40 degrees in Jackson, we finally warmed up into the 50s on Saturday and Sunday, which is closer to where we should be at this time of year.
A significant storm system during the middle of last week brought heavy snow to the Tetons with 18 inches recorded at JHMR’s Rendezvous Bowl Plot. The town of Jackson reported only 0.3 inches of snow during this storm, while up to 6 inches of snow fell around Teton Village.
The snowpack likely hit its maximum depth for the season across the higher elevations this past week, when the Rendezvous Bowl Plot recorded a snow depth of 135 inches on April 16. The snow depth has decreased to 123 inches since that time, which is still well above average. Taking a look at the current snow depths relative to average, we can see our snowpack remains very healthy heading into runoff season.
Weekly Weather Outlook – April 20-26
Temperatures have finally returned to more seasonal levels over the past couple of days and the warming trend will continue into the first half of this week as high pressure strengthens over the Northern Rockies. A weak disturbance passing south of the area will result in partly cloudy skies at times on Monday, but otherwise, it will be a nice day with highs in the mid to upper 50s in the valley along with light westerly winds. Lows on Monday night will fall into the upper 20s under mostly clear skies.
Here is a look at the upper atmospheric weather chart and satellite image on Monday morning, showing a ridge of high pressure over the Northwest U.S.
The nice weather will continue into Tuesday with mostly sunny skies and highs in the upper 50s in the valley. Light westerly winds on Tuesday morning will become moderate on Tuesday afternoon. On Wednesday, we’ll start to see some changes ahead of an approaching storm system from the northwest. Dry conditions will persist through the daytime hours with highs in the mid 50s, but clouds will be on the increase and winds will also become gusty out of the southwest.
The storm system will arrive on Wednesday night bringing widespread rain showers to the valley through Thursday afternoon, possibly mixed with wet snow at times on Thursday morning.
The rain/snow line during most of this event should range from 6,500-7,500 feet. Across the higher elevations, heavy snow can be expected on Wednesday night and Thursday, with an early call of 6-12 inches for elevations above 9,000 feet. Rain and snow shower activity should gradually taper off on Thursday night.
Cool temperatures and relatively drier conditions can be expected on Friday, though it’s possible we could see some rain/snow showers re-develop on the back edge of the system. Beyond Friday, we will see improving conditions this weekend with warmer temperatures and more sunshine along with negligible precipitation chances.
Alan Smith, Meteorologist
