JACKSON, Wyo. — Although winter doesn’t technically begin until Dec. 21, wintery conditions are gradually taking hold of the valley. With the change in conditions comes different safety considerations for residents and commuters alike, so Teton County Emergency Management (TCEM) has shared a suite of winter preparedness tips to help everyone safely move from point A to point B all season long.

Check the forecast

Always check the forecast from the National Weather Service, local meteorologists or a weather app of choice before heading outside, TCEM advises. Bookmark the local National Weather Service forecast office’s winter weather page. Remember to also check the daily avalanche forecast from the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center at bridgertetonavalanchecenter.org.

Get weather alerts

Receive weather alerts for chosen locations through local alerting system Teton_WY Alerts. Log in or create a free account and under “My Subscriptions” and select the appropriate weather alerts. Subscribers will get a message if there is an active alert that covers the address(es) listed in each profile.

As a backup, TCEM recommends that folks consider purchasing a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Radio with an automatic alerting feature. It will read out the forecast at the touch of a button and play a tone with a message for weather- and non-weather-related alerts. Alternately, the free FEMA app allows users to follow weather alerts in up to five locations. Simply download the app, allow notifications and set the location to 83001 for Teton County.

Check road conditions and closures

Before hitting the road, check closures and conditions along the route. In Wyoming, anyone can call 5-1-1 for a current road status report or download the free Wyoming 511 app. To get a better sense for how roads are looking, open the WYDOT 511 map at map.wyoroad.info/511-map and view the web cameras layer. Be proactive by signing up for 511 Notify to get road alerts for selected routes.

Act on the information

Use the information compiled from weather and avalanche forecasts, weather alerts and road closures/conditions to evaluate the safety and viability of intended plans. Adjust to avoid being outside during extremely cold weather, high/gusty winds, winter storms and high avalanche danger. If storms are severe or roads are not in good shape, consider postponing nonessential travel, taking an alternate route or taking public transit.

Prepare for the unexpected

Dress for the outdoors even if you don’t think you’ll be outside much. When traveling, avoid going alone when possible and let someone know your timetable and route(s). Drivers are encouraged to carry items in their vehicle to handle common winter driving-related tasks and emergencies, such as:

  • Snow shovel and ice scraper
  • Extra windshield wiper fluid with de-icer
  • Abrasive material (sand or kitty litter)
  • Jumper cables
  • Flashlight and warning devices (flares and emergency markers)
  • Blankets and/or layers of warm clothing
  • Cell phone and battery pack/charger
  • Water, food and any necessary medicine
  • A full tank of gas

Those who bike, walk or take public transit should consider carrying a smaller, portable kit including:

  • Phone charger
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Snacks
  • Bottle of water
  • Warm layers

Commuter preparedness

TCEM suggests that those who commute along routes that often close due to winter weather should always leave home prepared to spend the night away if necessary. Commuters over Teton Pass, Snake River Canyon, Hoback Canyon and US89 between Moose and Moran should also make plans for more extended road closures. Call the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce at (307) 733-3316 for an updated list of lodgings offering discounted room rates for stranded commuters.

Learn more about winter weather and roads from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration here: nhtsa.gov/winter-driving-tips.