Outlier weather events are growing more common globally, and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in the Bridger-Teton National Forest is no exception.
The ski resort is reporting more than 11 feet in snow falling since the first of the year, with a record snowfall during the first two weeks.
Anna Cole is the ski resort’s communications director. She said that comes after a month of average snowfall in December.
"Then all of a sudden, mother nature decided to dump on the Tetons and we saw 120 inches of snow in the first two weeks of January, so that's a historic record for that period of time," Cole said.
The deep snow means more work for resort employees, but Cole said the intense snow last year prepared them for this extra snowy season. Adding more parking spaces and shuttle bus routes are some of the improvements coming in handy now.
"When we get into storm cycles like this, it really does mean all hands on deck," Cole said. "It makes the skiing phenomenal, but it makes life a little more challenging."
The snow has continued to come down. The year has seen a total of 134 inches, while the season has seen 272 inches.
Have a question about this story? Contact the reporter, Jeff Victor, at jvictor@uwyo.edu.
