COLD, DRY CONDITIONS PREVAIL! - JANUARY 5, 2013

Photo taken 1/5/13

After a period of regular snowfall throughout the month of December, the Teton Range is in the midst of a drought.  The last significant snowfall in the range occurred over the Christmas Holiday with virtually no snow since.  Strong high pressure has resulted in moderate to strong inversions, with frigid valley temperatures and mostly mild temperatures in the upper elevations.  Avalanche danger in the Teton Range is currently low, however, the dry, cold conditions have created a snowpack that is dominated by weak, faceted snow near the surface.  This will surely result in significantly elevated avalanche danger during and after the next storm.  For detailed information on the snowpack and avalanche danger in the Teton Range please visit the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center website.       

AVALANCHE ACTIVITY INCREASED DURING MAJOR STORM - DECEMBER 11, 2012

Beginning December 1st, snowfall has been daily and snow totals have reached 4-5 feet above 9500'. This past weekend, dense wind driven snow increased the stress on the snowpack, triggering some of the first large avalanches of the season.  Here in the Tetons these large avalanches occurred on north and northeast aspects.  Looking at the November 7th photo below we can see the old snowline where the October weak layer likely exists today. 

ANOTHER SHOT OF SNOW THIS WEEKEND, LET IT SNOW! - NOVEMBER 7, 2012

The first storm of this season brought 2-3 feet of new snow to the mountains, but another warm and dry period melted it back to an elevation of 9,000'.  The reports of warm, south facing rock climbing may be coming to an end.  The second winter storm is predicted for this weekend with more snow in the mountains and cold temperatures.

 Winter conditions at Amphitheater Lake - 11/5/12 

FALL'S FIRST BIG SNOWFALL - OCTOBER 17, 2012

 Mt Owen and the Grand from Cascade Canyon - 10/17/12

After a long, hot, and dry summer and fall, the Teton Range finally received its first good dose of moisture over the past two days.  Hard rain and hail in the valley and significant snowfall in the high country left behind snow-coated peaks above 8,000 feet.  Today's sunshine was already beginning to melt the snow below 10,000 feet, but it's safe to say that it is here to stay above that elevation.       

Photo taken 10/17/12

We are no longer posting specific route condition updates, however the HOMEPAGE will continue to provide updates on general conditions in the Teton Range throughout the winter.

The Jenny Lake Ranger Station is closed for the season. Backcountry camping permits can be obtained at the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center in Moose. Call 307-739-3309 for more information.