SPRING UPDATE - APRIL 5, 2024

 

Photo taken from Moose Jct. - 4.5.24

Snow coverage in the range and on the valley floor remains decent and spring corn snow is trying to form between snow events.  But as is typical in the Tetons in spring sustained clear and cold for very many days in a row can be illusive, as evidenced by an incoming storm tonight. Backcountry travelers should be prepared for the full gamut of winter and/or spring like conditions and expect abundant snow.  Please continue to check the latest avalanche forecast and snowpack information before your ventures.

Bighorn sheep closures remain in effect through April 30th. Help us protect this iconic species by knowing the location of and abiding by the closures.  Click here for the latest closure map. 

Backcountry permits are required year-round for any overnight travel inside Grand Teton National Park and are available and issued by phone during this time. See November 1, 2023 post for details.

All Park Visitor Centers and Campgrounds are closed for the winter season.  Camping is strictly prohibited in parking areas and pullouts.

  

TETON SNOWPACK DEEPENS - FEBRUARY 17, 2024

 

Taggart Parking was BUSY on this fine winter day! - 2/17/24

Two solid and lengthy storm cycles during the month of February have left the Teton Range with a healthier snowpack than we had a month ago.  Snake River Basin SWE % increased from about 73% to 89% during the past month.  Avalanche danger remains considerable today as the range adjusts to this latest loading event.  Please stay vigilant and stay up to date on the latest avalanche forecast and snowpack information before you head out into the hills to enjoy the fresh snow.

Please help us protect our bighorn sheep population by abiding by winter wildlife closures and voluntarily avoiding critical habitat zones.  Click here for the latest closure map.

Backcountry permits are required year-round for any overnight travel inside Grand Teton National Park and are available and issued by phone during this time. See November 1, 2023 post for details.

All Park Visitor Centers and Campgrounds are closed for the winter season.  Camping is strictly prohibited in parking areas and pullouts.  Primitive dry camping with no available services is allowed for a small fee in the Colter Bay parking lot near the Colter Bay Visitor Center.

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR - AVALANCHES EVERYWHERE! JANUARY 13, 2024

 

The Teton Range - Photo Taken 1/13/24

After the first legitimate storm cycle in weeks, the Teton Range is, unsurprisingly, literally littered with avalanche debris everywhere you look.  An uncountable number of avalanches were revealed this morning after the range received recordable snowfall eight out of the last nine days.  This storm snow put a significant load onto a dehydrated and feeble snowpack that developed during the extensive drought we experienced for most of December.  It is more important than ever to stay vigilant and stay up to date on the latest avalanche forecast and snowpack information before you head out into the hills to enjoy the fresh snow.     

Please help us protect our bighorn sheep population by abiding by winter wildlife closures and voluntarily avoiding critical habitat zones.  Click here for the latest closure map.

Backcountry permits are required year-round for any overnight travel inside Grand Teton National Park and are available and issued by phone during this time. See November 1, 2023 post for details.

All Park Visitor Centers and Campgrounds are closed for the winter season.  Camping is strictly prohibited in parking areas and pullouts.  Primitive dry camping with no available services is allowed for a small fee in the Colter Bay parking lot near the Colter Bay Visitor Center.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS - ASK SANTA FOR SNOW! - DECEMBER 16, 2023

 

Buck Mountain and Mt Wister on 12/13/23

Winter is off to a slower, yet not-too-atypical, start this season in the Tetons.  We are generally sitting below average for snow on the ground in the mountains and the valley, although it is much more noticeable in the valley bottom. As we move into the winter season please be aware of a few reminders and some new things as well...

• For up to date information on avalanche hazard and the state of the snowpack inside Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) please visit the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center website for the current Teton Area Avalanche Forecast and Snowpack Summary.
• Backcountry permits are required year-round for any overnight travel inside Grand Teton National Park and are available and issued by phone during this time. See November 1, 2023 post for details.
• All Park Visitor Centers and Campgrounds are closed for the winter season.  Camping is strictly prohibited in parking areas and pullouts.  Primitive dry camping with no available services is allowed for a small fee in the Colter Bay parking lot near the Colter Bay Visitor Center.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Does your group have the skills, knowledge and training to travel in avalanche terrain?
• Are you carrying transceivers, shovels and probes?
• Can you self-rescue? Do you have a plan?
• Do you know the emergency number?
• Have you checked the current avalanche forecast and weather forecast?
• Have you checked out with someone?
• Do you have any other route options?

A couple more pictures of the range from December 13, 2023:  

Avalanche Canyon and the Cathedral Group from the south

Jenny and Jackson Lakes remain open