Jackson Hole Conditions Report: Feb. 21-Mar. 6

How does one sum up the past 2 weeks here in Teton Village? I scratch my head a bit as my scrambled, simpleton-ski bum synaptic pathways jump from one seemingly contradicting description to another. So, perhaps that's the defining feature: a period of atmospheric indecision where slope conditions and mountain moods took a wild rollercoaster ride while we gladly hopped on board.

As the final week of February hit, the frenetic powder pace began to fizzle. But a foot of snow still fell between blue holes, maintaining the mountains mid-winter attire and allowing for further explorations of the high alpine environment. Reactive and widespread instability from weeks of wind and snow reared its head as several backcountry excursions were able to both witness and produce numerous close-call avalanches. Those that skirted the danger were rewarded with high-grade, energy-absorbing pow to plunder under crystal-clear alpine skies. A window of hero snow opened, and the freaks jumped through. By the time that the month was coming to a close, things had taken a turn. Temperature fluctuations, including strong inversions combined with a stretch of solarized skies to quickly cook the exposed snowpack. Suddenly we seemed to be teetering between two seasons, with northern face-shots continuing in force and slush sensations slipping in from the other southern side of the spectrum. The rapid fluctuations in temperature quickly set up some solid corn skiing on the unsullied slopes and gave the groomers a chance to sculpt out some perfect corduroy corridors. Yes, it seemed a change was in the air as March came in like a lamb, but in the back of our minds we knew there was a potential lion in waiting.

A celebratory vibe came to the Village as we welcomed March with the comradery of two classic competitions, the Wyoming Special Olympics and the Dicks Ditch Banked Slalom as well. The tranquil weather persisted through the weekend, providing perfect conditions for spectators and competitors alike. Apres ski revelers saw the start of a spring full of live music in the Village as we kicked off our Road to Rendezvous Battle of the Bands series.

The topsy-turvy weather and wild swings in snow conditions created a sense that we had just experienced an entire season's worth of variety in just over a week, but the crazy ride wasn't over yet. Pulling into the first full week of the month, the temperatures dipped once again. Clouds crept into the valley, and stories of impending pow-fall began to swirl. Perhaps the lion was coming in after all! On the 4th snow returned with a little slope-smoothing appetizer; it reinjected some winter stoke, but a larger storm was still over the horizon. So, we picked powder pockets for a day or two, unweighting over coral reefed sections while we focused on the magical moments of micro-levitation. Trying not to froth too hard from crystal anticipation, we cruised the corduroy in hopes the following morning would come with a fresh storm inundation.

Thursday the 6th dawned with a fall-line fantasy confirmation. 3 inches of new snow with a solid day of storm skiing in store. The peek into spring was a nice little retreat after February's full tilt onslaught, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't want winter to take a few more frozen shots. Because it's the deepest days that activate our greatest thoughts. Stay tuned.  -Dr.H

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