Meltin Snow

Thursday, April 16, 2009

By Lisa Van Sciver

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-Spring’s unsettled weather of sun, snow and rain create moments of good skiing, intermixed with variable snow surfaces. Skiers have reported ice crusts, slow snow, melting powder, slushy snow and even punchy conditions, but they all found it worthwhile. After a few days of sunshine, town’s buttes look dry and the Taco Bell Couloir melts away. Last week’s high pressure with temperatures reaching fifty and then freezing at night, reduced snow depths up to two feet.

This time of year, low pressure typically results in valley rain and above it wintery conditions. As the barometer drops, hopefully the temperatures will too, bringing the snowline closer to town. During warm days, snow melts off the sunlit cliff bands and could result in loose snow, point release avalanches, or snowballs, which roll down the hill collecting snow. These snowballs or pinwheels have been sighted up to six feet in size, so watch out during the warm, sticky part of the day.

The Center of Wonder, challenges the melting snow by planning to keep a snow sculpture around all summer. Bland Hoke and high school students will sculpt the large snow pile half way up the Snow King Ski Area and then wrap it in snow blankets. The white snow blankets reflect UV rays and act as a heat stabilizer, saving the snow. So this year Mother Nature may not be able to melt all the snow in Teton Valley.

PERMALINK:
Meltin Snow | Planet JH News Article: Snow Report Column

Leave a Comment