Spring Weather Whiplash: Snow and Cold Hit Jackson After Mild Week

JACKSON, Wyo. – As April unfolds, Jackson is preparing for a significant shift in weather, transitioning from a dry spell to the potential for cold air and snow showers starting Thursday.

After seven consecutive days without measurable precipitation, Jackson has only recorded 0.16 inches of rain and a trace of snow this month. The surrounding Tetons, however, have fared better, receiving between 6 to 12 inches of snow as early as April 1. For context, the town’s average precipitation for April is 1.61 inches, while the Rendezvous Bowl Plot at 9,580 feet typically averages 59 inches of snow.

Temperature variations have been notable, with the town experiencing swings between 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Last Friday marked a milestone as temperatures hit 70°F — the first occurrence in April since 2020 and the earliest since 2012. However, after a cold front moved through on Sunday, temperatures plummeted to 13°F on Monday morning. The mid-week forecast looks warmer again, with temperatures returning to the 60s.

Rapid melting of the snowpack has been observed due to the combination of warm temperatures and dry conditions. The Snake River Headwaters Basin snowpack was at 111% of average on April 1 but has now decreased to 99% of average as of April 16.

Looking ahead, a cold front is expected to arrive on Thursday, bringing snow showers starting in the morning and continuing into the early evening. The snowfall will likely vary significantly across short distances, although areas in the Tetons above 7,500 feet can expect a few inches of snow. Jackson Hole Valley, meanwhile, is likely to experience a mix of rain and wet snow, with high temperatures dropping into the upper 30s to low 40s, a stark contrast to the mild temperatures earlier in the week.

The storm forecast indicates that travel may be impacted over Teton Pass, particularly as snowfall is expected to be heavier across central and eastern Wyoming due to northeast winds. This shift represents the main weather system affecting the Western U.S. over the week, with favorable conditions for snowfall east of the Continental Divide in Montana and Wyoming, as well as parts of Utah and Colorado.

Following the Thursday storm, a brief respite in weather patterns is expected on Friday with cooler temperatures and partly cloudy skies, transitioning to sunnier weather on Saturday with highs in the low 50s. Another weaker system will potentially impact the area on Sunday and Monday, bringing mountain snow showers and a mixed precipitation forecast in the valley.

Meteorologists anticipate a gradual warming trend as the week progresses, with potential showers remaining in the forecast. By late April, temperatures are expected to rise to above-normal levels, with average highs typically ranging in the low to mid-50s.

The evolving weather pattern is likely to favor occasional weak systems, leading to intermittent rain and snow showers in the area.

Alan Smith, a meteorologist with a degree from MSU Denver, reports these updates as he writes forecasts for Buckrail and OpenSnow, covering weather conditions across North America.