By Jim Stanford on December 13, 2006
So this is what a snowy day is like? I vaguely remember.
Awaking to a howling storm got the juices flowing. The forecast over the weekend was perfect: good chance of snow every day this week. Note to all the neophyte storm watchers in Jackson: This is the forecast you want to hear, multiple days of “snow showers.” These showers often seem to materialize into a whopper. Beware of any forecast calling for a “storm of the century,” particularly from TV news. You might as well wax the skinny skis if you hear that.
A handful of diehards climbed the King before the lifts opened. Not even gloppy skins could dampen the enthusiasm of the morning, although everyone who ventured out there was left dampened by the wet, sticky snow. Windshield wipers needed for goggles.
Rock-hard from snowmaking a week earlier, the Cougar run was buttery soft for carving. When the weather is too brutal (60 mph gusts) or avy danger too high for the backcountry (could be a problem this week), Snow King is a locals’ haven. Today proved once again the old adage, the King rules.
For perhaps the most reliable weather forecast for the Tetons, check the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center advisory issued by 5 p.m. daily. Jim Woodmencey’s mountainweather.com is also a good source, especially when looking a few days ahead.
