Snow - it's what we live for. In Jackson Hole, winters are long; snowstorms can bring precipitation months before winter truly begins and extend to the summer solstice. With so much of the year having a potential for snowfall, we thought it best to educate you on how snow measurement works here. We use raw data generated by our snow tools, which Bridger Teton Avalanche Center (BTAC) operates. Read below for an insider's look at our season totals, daily reports, and the actual snow data collected.
The Water Year
BTAC starts collecting snow data around October 1. This is because October 1 is when the water year begins. The water year, as defined by the USDA, goes from October 1 - September 30 annually, which is used as a benchmark for hydrologists to measure total precipitation year over year. October 1 is generally a snow industry-standard date to start counting snow for the year.
How Snow is Reported
5am
Every morning, the BTAC puts out a 'Big Sheet', around 5am. As explained on their site: 'WARNING! These data are preliminary, unchecked and hastily compiled for forecasting purposes. Decisions regarding travel in avalanche terrain should be based on field observations, knowledge and experience.'
6am
Our snow reporters come in around 5:30am to start compiling the daily data. They grab the snow data estimates from the Big Sheet and start posting on our website, app, and other snow websites like Snocountry and Open Snow. A grooming report is also posted with the evening and morning grooming schedule.
Be sure to check out our app JH Insider and our Mountain Status page to see all these feeds in action!
Season Totals
The season total is also collected from the BTAC. We use the Raymer Plot (9,360') and the Rendezvous Bowl Plot (9,580') for reporting summit daily and season totals. The Mid Mountain plot sits at 8,180', and Base is at 6,510'.
The daily and season total snowfall numbers are pulled directly from the Bridger Teton Avalanche Center.
Since 6am Snow
Throughout a storm cycle, we monitor the raw data instruments and post since 6am snow throughout the day. The since 6am totals are not included in the 24 hours totals and are updated until 4pm.
Overnight Snow
Overnight snow is estimated based on the raw data of what fell after 4pm (or since the lifts closed). These totals are included in the 24 hour snow. For example, if it snows 10" in 24 hours and 8" fell overnight, those 8" are untracked, whereas the 2" could've been skied on and fallen before 4pm the previous day.
How Snow is Measured
The daily and season total snow measurements come from a few different snow study plots around the mountain. These Rendezvous Bowl plot, shown below, sits at an elevation of 9,580'.
Approaching the Rendezvous Bowl study plot, located just outside the southern gates at the bottom of the bowl.
The estimated snow totals mentioned above are taken from these study plots. The below tool shown uses sound waves to estimate new snow. The plot is checked daily by a real person, which then shows true measurements.
A: Snow depth estimate measured since the last time the plot was cleared. The plot is generally cleared daily when it snows.
B: Snow depth actual measurement in snow sampler, which tells total snow and SWE (snow water equivalency).
C: Sonar tool distance that estimates snow.
Snow being measured in the snow sampler.
Because the tools used to measure snow are just estimates, sometimes the instruments produce results that are slightly off from the actual. Using the snow sampler tool, this gives the avalanche lab a more accurate representation of actual snow and SWE. This is also why the total snowfall year to date can be lower or higher than the day before, even if it doesn't snow.
To note, in the early season, any snow that we make artificially, is not counted towards base depth or total snowfall. This is because we don't make snow where there is a study plot.
Season total snowfall can also be measured by the monster stick of truth, as shown on the left.
Historical Snow Data
There is an incredible amount of historical data, which dates back to 1974 at the Rendezvous Bowl plot, Mid Mountain, and Base study plots. The Raymer Plot came online in 1997, which sits at 9,360' just above the top of the Bridger Gondola.
Cool Jackson Hole Snow Data Links
Use this list of unique links for endless exploring in the world of Jackson Hole snow:
BTAC Weather Stations Directory
We hope this helps explain how Jackson Hole Mountain Resort measures and reports snow, in cooperation with the Bridger Teton Avalanche Center and the Bridger Teton National Forest.
