General Weather – A little snow
Mountain Weather is forecasting some snow on Sunday and Monday, though accumulations may not add up to much in the valleys. For a detailed daily forecast check out mountainweather.com.
What’s Groomed Today?
This week grooming is happening here:
- Teton Canyon – M / W / F / Sat
- Grand Targhee – T / Th / Sat / Sun
- Southern Valley – T / F / Sun
- Trail Creek Nordic – as conditions allow
Adapted from a JH News & Guide Article Published on Nov 30,2024, read the full article here
Winter wildlife restrictions have been in effect since December 1. “Designated winter closure areas are essential for wildlife’s survival,” according to the Bridger-Teton. “When people or their dogs enter closed winter range, wildlife is forced to move away. This retreat requires animals, such as deer, elk, moose and bighorn sheep, to use energy they cannot spare as they deal with cold temperatures and limited forage.”
Some of the key areas closed to all human presence are Josie’s Ridge and the slopes above Highway 89 south to Game Creek, Cache Creek and Nelson Drive, Hoback Canyon and the north of the Gros Ventre Road. The wildlife winter range closure also includes the A&W trail between Adams and Wilson canyons south of Jackson.
Forest officials said dog control is especially important during the winter, because deer, elk, bighorn sheep and moose view dogs as predators and will run from them, expending even more energy. It’s also important to keep pets safe from being hit by a vehicle or injured by wildlife.
Dogs are required to be leashed year-round at developed trailheads from Dec. 1 to May 1. Locally, that applies to Cache Creek, Trail Creek and Teton Pass where the combination of congestion and vehicles necessitates greater control. In addition, dogs are required to be leashed in all areas adjacent to critical wildlife winter ranges. That includes the Putt Putt trail area and the Game Creek drainage from the highway to a point 1.2 miles above the gate.
Thank you Cathy Shill, founder of The Hole Hiking Experience, for sharing the following:
December weather is typically cold and snowy with average temperatures in the mid-twenties during the day and single digits at night. As the mountains fill with snow, more skiing and snowshoeing terrain becomes available. There are many great apps and tools to use to follow weather cycles and plan your outings. I use National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Mountain Weather, published by local meteorologist Jim Woodmancy, and Teton Valley Weather on Facebook. For ski and avalanche conditions, the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center is a valuable resource.
Winter is a quiet season. All wildlife adapt to the season for survival. Many species migrate or hibernate. Stormy weather limits movement for the animals that remain in the valley. Some species, like the Black-capped Chickadee, can enter a state of torpor during cold nights and stormy periods. This means they slow their metabolic rate and lower their body temperature to conserve energy. It may be best described as controlled hypothermia.
Some of my favorite winter wildlife highlights are the seeing the Mule Deer on the buttes near town, the Trumpeter Swans flying over town, Rough Legged Hawks on fenceposts, Bighorn Sheep on the Elk Refuge, and the chance of spotting wolves.
Winter officially begins on Saturday, December 21 with the Solstice. Enjoy this season and may we fill our hearts with laughter and joy.
Events
The Masters practice based clinics are back! There will be 8 fun clinics to improve your technique, fitness, enjoyment beginning this Thursday. Pre-registration is required.
Come discuss current opportunities at the Winter Trails Forum with Trails & Pathways, regional organizations, bike shops, Nordic organizations, bikers, and skiers. There will be lots of time for your questions and comments!
JH Nordic Alliance and Partners hope you all come to the Annual Free Ski, Snowshoe & Fat Bike Event at Turpin Meadow Ranch for a day of playing in the snow and being surrounded by a bunch of people who really love human-powered winter adventures.
