JACKSON, Wyo. — The National Weather Service in Riverton has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains from 6 a.m. Saturday – 6 p.m. Sunday. A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the Jackson Hole Valley, including the Town of Jackson, from 6 a.m. Saturday – 6 p.m. Sunday. Star Valley is also included in the Winter Weather Advisory.
The weekend storm system is currently located over the Pacific Northwest as of early Friday afternoon and will begin to impact Jackson Hole starting on Saturday morning.
This storm system is more complex than a typical winter storm for our area, and a slight shift in wind direction could result in a significant influence on snow amounts. We have lowered our snow forecast slightly based on recent trends, and now expect snow totals from Saturday morning through Sunday night to range from 6-14 inches in the Tetons, with the heaviest snow falling on Saturday afternoon and Saturday night.
The Jackson Hole Valley could pick up anywhere from 0.5-2 inches of snow on Saturday morning, before giving way to a mix of non-accumulating snow and rain on Saturday afternoon and evening as temperatures warm up into the mid to upper 30s. In the mountains at 9,000 ft., skiers and backcountry users can expect steady temperatures in the 20s with moderate winds out of the south/southwest.
On Saturday night and Sunday morning, the Jackson Hole Valley could pick up an additional 0.5-2 inches of snow, but it will be a close call as temperatures will be borderline, right around the freezing mark. Snow will continue to fall at light to moderate rates during the day on Sunday in the mountains before tapering off to light snow showers on Sunday night.
Precipitation will taper off to a mix of rain showers and snow showers in the valley on Sunday afternoon as temperatures warm up into the low 40s. Mountain temperatures will remain in the 20s during the day on Sunday.
Travel conditions over Teton Pass will be most difficult on Saturday evening and on Sunday morning.
Alan Smith, Meteorologist
