Why Does That Raven have a Solar Panel?
| February 2021 Wildlife Log with Ecotour Adventures Despite what @Birdsarentreal might tell you, this is not a government surveillance drone. It’s Raven 7485, a GPS backpack carrying member of research on ravens and wolves in Yellowstone! We recently encountered 7485 in the Old Faithful area during a multi-day adventure and were able to look it up on the Animal Tracker App using the colored bands around its legs. Click the link below to learn more about the app and raven research in Yellowstone. |
Trip Report: Taggart Lake
Sunny day in GTNP between snow storms! Easy BC nordic excursion to Taggart Lake. Skiing across the frozen lake is a surreal treat. Narrow, snow covered bridge south of the lake on the Valley Trail adds to the experience. 3.4 miles out and back. With a friendly chat with GTNP Nordic Ambassador, Al Zuckerman.
February 24, 2021 Nature Update
Provided by Cathy Shill, founder of The Hole Hiking Experience https://www.holehike.com
If the doors of perception were cleansed
Everything will appear…as it is, infinite.
-William Blake
It’s been a stormy week with fresh snow and wind. On Tuesday, a storm blew in fast and strong making visibility a challenge closing most valley roads. Current snow level is above average so good for water content and summer flowers. If you happen to be in town or planning a visit in the near future, check out the snow banks and large piles of snow. Snow is now quite deep in Jackson Hole.
As much as we love the deep snow, it means stress for most wildlife. Members of the deer family feed on plants and the season of winter greatly reduces food choices. They slowly lose weight through the winter making March and April vulnerable months.
In deep snow, animals have to use more energy or calories to move. One of our local slogans is “Don’t Poach the Powder” to encourage us to respect wildlife closures. It’s really important so let’s help them survive this tough time of year. For wildlife closures, check out this winter travel map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5403285.pdf.
As you might imagine, winter is the season for predators as their prey becomes weak. Wolves typically hunt elk and Mountain Lions hunt deer. The weaker animals make for an easier meal. It’s balance. It may pull at our heart strings but nature creates balance and balance is needed for a healthy ecosystem.
If you have spent the winter in Jackson Hole, you begin to notice the longer days at this time of year. With March around the corner, change is on the way. Eagles and ravens are paired and spending time near their nests. Wolves mate during February and March. As the days get longer, more changes to come.
March will bring warmer temperatures and it’s a wonderful month to play in the snow. Endless tour options. If stormy, stay close to town. When the sun shines, you can’t beat a tour beneath the majestic Teton peaks. A snowshoe to Taggart Lake or a cross-country ski to Jenny Lake are certainly favorites in Grand Teton Park.
Join our local naturalists to learn about nature and the beauty of Jackson Hole. With spring around the corner, lots of changes to come and wonderful places to share.
The Hole Hiking Experience | www.holehike.com | 307.690.4453
Trail Creek
Last Updated: 2/25
Fun on the Nordic X Course!
If you’ve checked the Nordic Calendar lately you’ll note that we have a big event coming up the weekend after next (March 6-7), the Western Youth Championships where we’ll have lots of regional youth competing and having a really good time at the end of season event for the younger IMD skiers. Part of that fun will include the Nordic X course which is in the process of being brought back after being buried during the recent Pisten Bully-less storm cycle. While it is still quite rustic and will grow quite a bit more, you are welcome to give it a shot today.
The rest of today’s grooming under that amazing Wyoming sky was with the Pisten Bully as well. Almost every trail received at least one pass with about half of the trails receiving multiple passes with fresh classic tracks. What you will find if you make it out today is lots of good skiing. A couple of notes, the newly groomed section around the Boilers is coming along nicely, but still a little rough, it will take a few more days to get it whipped into shape. Also look for some new grooming in the close field in the days to come in preparation for the March 6-7 event.
Groomer’s choice for today is Outward Bound.
Teton Co./Jackson Parks & Rec
Last Updated: 2/25
The school fields and the levee are groomed and in good shape. Stilson will be done around 10:30.
Cache Creek
Last Updated: 2/20
We rolled Cache Hagen Sidewalk and Hagen Highway this evening and will snowshoe the trails near the trailhead this weekend.
Grooming provided by Friends of Pathways.
Teton Pines Nordic
Last Updated: 2/22
| Grooming daily. Excellent snow quality for both classic cross country and skate skiing. On snowy days, we recommend coming out in the morning just after the groomer sets the track for silky smooth skiing. Rentals available. Call us for specific retail questions (307) 699-3394 or tetonpinesxc@gmail.com. Our hours are 9am-4pm daily. |
Shooting Star
Last Updated: 2/25
Both the wolves and the winds will be howling at the upcoming Snow Moon, as another fierce winter storm is forecasted to begin Thursday evening and last through Saturday morning. Expect high winds over 30 mph, drifting and heavy snow of 4-12” throughout the day on Friday. Once this system passes, the forecast appears to be perfect for Nordic with a full week of sunny skies, calm winds, and warmer temperatures. As always, we’ll do our best to smooth out the trails each morning. Please, pay close attention to the weather, plan ahead and use common sense if you try skiing during the heart of next winter storm. Enjoy and stay safe! Next Update will be Monday 3/1.
Please See the following Restrictions
- Dog Loops & All Nordic Skiing Trails OPEN
- Sled Hill OPEN
- Classic Tracks SET
- Snow Shoeing Loop OPEN
- Casual Walking Not Permitted
Teton Village Pathway
Last Updated: 2/17
Teton Village Pathway from Lake Creek Bridge north to just south of the GTNP moose-wilson road south entrance was groomed this morning. Nice for an easy , flat nordic ski, fat bike , or trail run. Or if you’re commuting by ski or bike from Wilson or Jackson!
Groomed by Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and funded by Teton Village Association .
Grand Teton National Park
Last Updated: 2/23
High winds and no visibility means no grooming today. Lee tried to get out there, but it is pointless.
Turpin Meadow Ranch
Last Updated: 2/25
The trails were pretty hard this morning after the low of -15 last night. They should be nice and fast this afternoon after the sun hits them for a while. The fat bake trails were also groomed and should be nice to ride on! If you’re new to skiing or wanting to refine your skills, book a ski lesson with our professional ski instructor Elee (she also does guided tours)! She is a wealth of knowledge and can help take your Nordic skiing, whether it be skate or classic, to the next level! To help with social distancing and to get you on the trails faster please purchase your trail passes and sign your waivers online in advance (see link below). As always, remember to recreate responsibly. Bring a mask as it is required to enter the lodge. Lunch and dinner are both by reservation only.
https://www.turpinmeadowranch.com/adventures/winter-adventures/
https://www.turpinmeadowranch.com/the-ranch/live-conditions/
https://www.turpinmeadowranch.com | 307.543.2000, office
Grand Targhee
Last Updated: 2/25
Cross Country/Fat Bike 15k: XC OPEN (Last groomed 2/25/2021, Fat Bike CLOSED.
Trail Etiquette: Please keep your dogs leashed in the parking lot and be sure to clean up after them!
Alta Track
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, & Sunday
Last Updated: 2/25
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
Finished up the Alta Track at 9:45 this morning (Thursday). Skipped resetting the classic track because it was quickly being filled with blowing snow. The constant beeeze is creating small drifts in the normal deposition zones. Bundle up and go ski in the sun before the next storm arrives!
Please do not park in the library parking lot. Please be sure to keep your dogs on a leash and to clean up after them.
Driggs
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Last Updated: 2/24
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Driggs was set Tuesday evening.
Sherman Park
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Last Updated: 2/24
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
The wind had its way with the trail. I was pretty well able to knock down the drifts with multiple passes with the drag. The snow is very soft. Think it will take our next round of snow and some colder temperatures to get the trail in great shape. Still get out there and enjoy it.
Teton Canyon
Grooming Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
Last Updated: 2/25
Skate: Set | Classic: Set
Thursday: Plan on making a couple quick passes over the skate track this morning, as it is still a bit soft. Finish by 10am.
Southern Valley Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Last Updated: 2/23
Skate: Set | Classic: Not Set
I groomed both Yetis and Campground loops Tue evening with a forecasted .6”. Well, It dumped over 4” while I groomed instead. Expect soft conditions Wednesday.
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Teton Springs Nordic
Grooming Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday
Last Updated: 2/25
Skate: Set | Classic: Set | Singletrack: Set
Cold and crisp.
No dogs allowed.
5th Street Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 2/18
Singletrack: Set
Got the trail packed in and buffed out yesterday afternoon. It will be good till the next round of snow arrives.
Southern Valley Singletrack
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 2/24
Singletrack: Set
Rolled out Hillbender, Nemo, Lady Slipper, and BPA road to Pole Canyon. Trail conditions should be excellent Thursday morning. Then the next storm rolls through. Go enjoy!
No dogs December 1 – April 15.
Darby Canyon
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 2/17
Groomed to ATV trailhead 2/17
South Leigh Road
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 2/17
Groomed this morning 2/17
Pinnacle Trail
Grooming Schedule: As needed
Last Updated: 2/17
Groomed 2/16 to the meadows
Nordic Masters Recreational Clinic
TRAIL CREEK NORDIC CENTER | WILSON, WYOMING
THURSDAY, MARCH 4th
Time: 11am -12:30pm – Meet on snow outside the JH Ski Club Nordic cabin.
3 Nordic coaches from the JH Ski Club – 3 small skier groups based on ability. This clinic will focus on classic XC techniques. BYO Mask.
Trail Creek Nordic trail pass is included for the day for Clinic season pass holders and drop-in participants ($35). Stay on and explore the trails after the clinic.
Pinedale Stampede
WHITE PINE NORDIC SKI TRAILS | PINEDALE, WY
FEBRUARY 27, 2021
6k, 10k, 20k and races. Races will all be mass start, freestyle race. Prizes and giveaways!
We’d love to hear about your outdoor adventures, what your doing to stay healthy, safe, respectful of community health guidelines – send pictures or post on FB and Insta – #JHNordic
