Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) is experiencing its snowiest February in recorded history, with 186 inches of snow falling so far (according to OnTheSnow), and more on the way. The snow stake at the top of Rendezvous Bowl currently has a depth of 122 inches and 434 total inches of snow have graced the legendary ski area located in Wyoming’s Teton Range this season.
With another 16 inches of snow falling in the past 24 hours, and a total of 40 in 48 hours, the avalanche danger in the Tetons has skyrocketed, causing Grand Teton National Park and Teton County Search and Rescue to request that the resort close all of its backcountry access gates.
“The mountains around the Jackson Hole area have received over four feet of snow in the last three days, with three to four more feet anticipated in coming days,” said Bill Lewkowitz, business development director at JHMR this morning. “The current Teton area avalanche forecast is high at all elevations and backcountry travel is not recommended. Grand Teton National Park officials and Teton County Search and Rescue have requested that the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort close all backcountry gates until further notice. JHMR will be honoring their requests and closing all of our backcountry gates, until further notice. This closure includes all gates that provide access to the Granite Creek drainage and all gates to the south of the resort’s boundaries. Please respect these closures and stay safe. Thank you.”
While the goods outside of the resort boundaries are certainly tantalizing, the winter storm is expected to deposit free refills inbounds all day long. Please see below for the full JHMR snow report for February 26, 2019.
“8:45 AM – Due to avalanche hazard reduction, there will be delays in opening this morning. -AS
7 AM- Snow continues at a full throttle pace here in Teton Village. Due to high avalanche danger, continued heavy snowfall and at the request of GTNP & TCSR, ALL backcountry gates will remain closed for the day. Please help everyone have a fantastic and safe powder day by respecting these closures.
6 AM- Greetings Jackson Hole! Get ready to go, because we’re sending you diving into the deep end of the Teton Powder Pool. 16 inches dropped on Rendezvous Mountain over the past 24 hours with 10 coming in after the lifts closed. We’ve got free refills on all your favorite treats today with a Winter Storm Warning in effect through tomorrow evening. High temperatures will range from the low 20’s at the summit to the low 30’s in the Village. Expect strong South West winds to blow in the 20-35 mph range, with occasional gusts tickling the 60 mph mark. The canvas is clean once again. Come out this morning and make your mark in the mountainside magic. -Lege
With snowfall impacting parking and local transportation routes we kindly ask everyone to stay safe by remaining patient, planning ahead, carpooling where possible, utilizing the START bus and obeying all “no parking” zones. Thank You & enjoy the pow!
Please be cautious and do not approach wildlife. There have been multiple moose roaming the base area and lower mountain.”
