Reed Finlay surveys the Snake this week with the Barker-Ewing crew in Grand Teton park. Higher flows should allow for more braided channels.

Heading into a second year of drought with reservoirs already drawn down and snow melting fast, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is planning to release nearly twice as much water as usual in the Snake River this summer.

Barring prolonged wet weather, water managers will release 4,000 cubic feet per second from Jackson Lake Dam through September.

Mike Beus

The agency projects to draw down Jackson Lake reservoir to about 18 percent of capacity. At best, the bureau will fill Palisades Reservoir to about 50 percent of capacity before draining it nearly dry to meet irrigation needs in Idaho.

Mike Beus, BuRec operations manager, presented his projections along with weather forecasts at the agency’s annual water meeting last night in Jackson. A crowd of anglers, irrigators, farmers and rafting guides attended.

Beus painted a stark picture of less water available for storage in the basin, temperatures skyrocketing to 90 degrees in Boise last week and snow melting in the high country above Jackson Lake at a rate of 2 inches per day. While this weekend’s cool, wet weather offers some relief, temperatures were 10 degrees above average for the first half of May, he said.

“The normals are changing,” he said.

The projected flows on the Snake are excellent for scenic and whitewater rafting but not optimal for fishing. With nearly twice as much water, native cutthroat trout will be harder to catch. But the steady flow is preferable to a sudden and dramatic rise late in the season to meet irrigation demands, as happened in 2002, one of the years most closely matching current conditions.

The long-range outlook calls for a higher chance of a warmer, drier summer.

Water management in the Snake basin is highly complex, with each decision affecting the operation of dams downstream. Managers must balance the needs of endangered Pacific salmon, sovereign Indian tribes, irrigators, farmers, cutthroat trout, anglers, outfitters, rafters and motor boaters, among others.

As is his custom, Beus presented a slew of graphs with lines as intricate and interwoven as the strands of his long, grey beard. Looking at runoff and storage from years past, he saw similarities to 2007, 2003, 2002, 1991 and 1989 — all relatively dry.

The peak flow on the Snake through Jackson Hole is likely to occur within the next week, he said. The release at Jackson Lake Dam hit 4,000 cfs today, and the river was running 8,000 cfs at Moose. The flow in the canyon likely will exceed 14,000 cfs this evening.

The early runoff has forced the contractor building the new pathway bridge over the Snake to cease work in the river. Crews had been struggling to install the second piling; instead they will begin building the east abutment.

Grizzlies 399, 610 and their cubs look as cute as teddy bears in the thousands of photos park visitors have taken of them in recent years. They have their own Facebook pages and bumper stickers.

Yet they are meat-eating predators, a reality we often overlook. This video, best watched in full screen, ought to keep a few tourists from approaching too close.

Thank you to all of you for loyally checking this site in the last few weeks, thinking perhaps today might be the day something new replaces the April snow story. As I explained earlier in a comment, I was out of town (for Jazz Fest), then returned to an onslaught of budget meetings and Lodging Overlay discussions. Also, we have begun running the river at Barker-Ewing Scenic Trips.

Male griz at Oxbow this spring.

To top it off, a faulty plugin caused this site to crash (for me, if not you), preventing the posting of anything new when I did have time. At 2 a.m. today, after much consultation with the hosting service, I finally resolved the problem.

Like a hungry bruin emerging from the den, I’m ready to sink my teeth into writing again. Thanks for your patience and input. Here’s to much excitement in the coming weeks!

(Photo by Greg Winston; video via Deadspin)

Road sign on Pearl Avenue during last week’s 20-degree weather.

With 9 inches of snow reported yesterday and more falling today, April already has surpassed January for snowfall in the Tetons, as a typically dreary mountain spring masquerades for prolonged winter.

The Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center has measured 52 inches of snowfall in Rendezvous Bowl so far this month, compared to 45 inches for all of January, which was plagued by cold drought.

The center ceased issuing avalanche and weather forecasts yesterday but will continue to post automated readings for temperature, wind and snowfall.

The water content of the snowpack in the upper Snake River basin above Jackson Lake now measures 106 percent of average — which is about right, after an average winter.

Props to the spring break-starved prankster who made his or her feelings known about the weather last Tuesday along Pearl Avenue. For the winter weary, relief is on the way, with the National Weather Service calling for sunny and near 60 by the end of the week.

North Highway 89 pathway near Gros Ventre River last fall.

To the chagrin of many cyclists, the Highway 89 pathway north of town along the National Elk Refuge is closed until April 30.

The closure is part of the deal Teton County arranged with the refuge to build the pathway in 2011. Despite a recent plea by cycling advocate Tim Young to open the path early, the refuge is sticking to the specified dates.

The path offers a velvety-smooth ride 10 miles to Moose and another 8 miles to Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park. Only the portion along the refuge, between Jackson and Gros Ventre Junction, is closed from Oct. 1 to April 30 each year; the park sections presumably are rideable when free of snow.

Although it may seem aggravating and bureaucracy at its worst, there is a rationale behind the closure. To better explain it, county pathways coordinator Brian Schilling provided the following list of frequently asked questions. The bottom line: Be patient, people, and let the refuge finish studying impacts.

Q: Why is the pathway closed?
A: The pathway is closed from Oct. 1 to April 30 to limit potential conflicts between pathway users and migrating elk in the fall, and to limit disturbance to elk and other wildlife by pathway users during the winter and early spring.

Closing the pathway is the only way to ensure that the elk refuge’s mission of “wildlife first” is respected and remains intact. If the pathway is deemed incompatible with the mission of the elk refuge, it would not be permitted on refuge property. The closure is part of the agreement between the refuge and Teton County for managing the pathway.

In the fall, elk migrate across the highway and search for the one-way openings in the refuge fence. It is not uncommon to see individual elk or large herds searching back and forth along the fence. Experience has shown that even a vehicle parked along the highway is enough to cause elk to bolt, sometimes back across the road. The presence of human pathway users during migration likely would cause elk to run back onto the highway and would place elk, pathway users, vehicles and vehicle occupants at risk of a serious accident.

The closure extends beyond the Gros Ventre River bridge to the junction.

The impacts are slightly different in the winter and springtime for wildlife that have made it safely onto the refuge. By spring, elk and other wildlife are struggling to conserve valuable energy and find feeding opportunities. While winter/spring wildlife are largely accustomed to vehicles on the highway, they are unaccustomed to people on foot or bicycle, and pathway use would cause animals to flee, further stressing their already depleted energy reserves. By the end of April the majority of animals have moved on and food sources are more plentiful. Studies to evaluate the impact of pathway use on wildlife began in 2011 and will help guide future decisions on management of the pathway.

Q: Who owns the pathway?
A: The pathway is located on property owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (National Elk Refuge), but the pathway itself is owned by Teton County. The refuge and county have adopted a memorandum of understanding that sets the rules for the pathway, enforcement of the rules and the ongoing management and evaluation plan. The county is responsible for construction, maintenance and management of the pathway. The refuge is responsible for managing the use of refuge lands, including what is allowable in terms of constructing and using the pathway.

Q: Can I take my dog on the pathway?
A: Dogs (leashed or otherwise) are not permitted on the pathway at any time. In the winter, when elk are on the refuge, dogs must be kept out of the area to prevent immediate and direct disturbance by dogs to elk. In the summer, when there are no elk on the refuge, dogs must be kept out of the area because dogs can leave scent markings or other disturbances that will cause elk and other wildlife to avoid certain areas. When elk are migrating onto the refuge or looking for winter forage areas, it is critical that there are no disturbances that would cause them to shy away from the elk jumps or available forage areas.

Q: Can I walk on the pathway if there are no elk around or on the refuge?
A: While the closure is still in effect, there is no public use allowed on the pathway, even if there are no elk anywhere in the area. The concern is not just for elk already on the refuge, but also for migrating elk that are moving through the area.

Kicking it on the Gros Ventre bridge is one of the best features of the new path. (This photo was shot last summer.)

Q: Isn’t the highway the real problem?
A: Collisions between wildlife and vehicles are a serious problem in Teton County. When elk are moving across the highway in the fall, elk-vehicle collisions are a primary concern for the refuge, which makes significant efforts to reduce the amount of wildlife-vehicle collisions. Neither the refuge nor the county have authority to manage use or operation of the highway. The refuge is only able to manage the use of its property and facilities, such as the pathway. Because pathway use could increase the potential of elk being hit by vehicles, the refuge is compelled to limit that risk as much as possible.

Q: What’s going to happen if I do use the pathway?
A: Violators of the closure or dog prohibition can be cited for criminal trespass under Wyoming state statutes and/or federal regulations. Teton County has agreed to provide enforcement support to the refuge for pathway violations, and the sheriff’s office has the authority to cite violators. The Fish and Wildlife Service also has the power to cite and prosecute violators under federal law.

Q: Will the closure be re-evaluated or changed?
A: Studies are underway to evaluate the possible impacts of the pathway on wildlife and the elk refuge’s mission. There are no guarantees that the closure or other regulations will be modified, but the county is working with the refuge to collect the necessary information to make decisions on pathway management. In the absence of data that allow the refuge to re-evaluate the need for the closure, restrictions will remain as they are. It is expected that a minimum of two to three years of data collection will be needed to make informed decisions.

(Top photo by Jacqueline Ra)

Nearly 20 years ago, the community drew a boundary around town where lodging — hotels, B&Bs, short-term rentals — would be permitted. The goal was to concentrate tourists around the Square and in areas where services and amenities are easily available.

Now, in an era of VRBO and AirBnb, those boundaries have been muddied. Also, developers are pitching new hotels on North Cache and the old Sagebrush Motel site on Flat Creek, west of Staples.

The Town of Jackson is seeking input from citizens on where lodging should be allowed. Planners are taking a fresh look at the boundary, called the lodging overlay, as they begin to write regulations for the new Comprehensive Plan.

It’s a key decision because lodging generally is seen as the most profitable use of land, meaning property owners could stand to gain or lose value. Also, the community wants to preserve the quiet character of residential neighborhoods.

The website illustrates features such as the current lodging overlay (shaded orange) and existing lodging (solid outlines), as well as proposed changes.

To help the public understand the issues, the town has set up a website that explains various options and allows citizens to draw their own ideal boundaries. By clicking various filters, users can see the current lodging overlay, where existing lodging is located (many hotels, especially on the west side of town, were permitted before the rules took effect), and several suggested revisions.

It’s entirely possible the town will decide to leave the current boundaries in place, which is an option web users can endorse. Click here to give it a try. The survey takes only a few minutes.

For those who’d rather go through the exercise in person, with planning staff on hand to answer questions, there will be public workshops April 10 and 11 at Center for the Arts. The website will take input till April 17.

Westbound traffic flows more easily along Broadway, thanks to rerouting.

Granted, it’s spring break and the dead of off-season.

But reconstruction of the five-way intersection on Broadway — a potential traffic nightmare billed as “carmageddon” — appears to be an improvement on the existing configuration.

Even with the road reduced to two lanes from five, traffic flows better, thanks to the stoplight being turned off and no left turns allowed.

For those in east Jackson or downtown heading west, the key is getting on Broadway early enough to avoid getting stuck at the end of Pearl Avenue or Flat Creek Drive. Willow and Millward streets are the best options. Eastbound traffic flows to Pearl, Flat Creek Drive and East Broadway unimpeded.

“I’ve been pleasantly surprised,” town manager Bob McLaurin said. “We’ll have to see how it goes when everybody gets back and there are a few tourists around.”

Mandy Larson, a field and survey tech for the Wyoming Department of Transportation, which is overseeing the project, said the agency anticipated a backlash. Instead, “I haven’t heard many complaints at all,” she said. “We were worried and we braced ourselves.”

Owners of businesses along Broadway may feel differently, but an informal poll of friends who drive the corridor indicates they prefer the current situation. In another benefit, the bottom of Pearl Avenue around Jackson Street is much more pleasant with less traffic passing through.

Crews are upgrading water and sewer systems around the intersection and also improving bicycle and pedestrian access. The first phase of construction is due to be completed by the end of June, and work on the second phase will resume in mid-August, allowing for unconstricted travel during the busiest part of the summer. Updates can be found at JacksonStreets.com.

It’s interesting to consider how we might improve our traffic flows around Jackson Hole if we commit to making significant changes.

Guitarist John McCauley, center, leads Deer Tick at the Pink Garter on Sunday with guitarist Ian O’Neil and bassist Chris Ryan. The empty space in the middle is where the drummer would have been; his absence was unexplained.

On a day when pro triathlete Adam Wirth of Boise captured the PPP crown, a huge crowd gathered at Teton Village to celebrate spring’s arrival during the Jackson Hole Mountain Festival.

Perhaps as many as 4,000 people turned out Saturday for the PPP awards party, music by Lazy Eyes beneath the tram and the featured concert by Black Mother Jones and O.A.R. Parked cars lined the village entrance road all the way to Highway 390, in what may have been the largest turnout yet for the festival.

While the selection of the headliner generated strong opinions, one thing everyone could agree on was fine weather and free music make for a great party. Tailgates with generous spreads of food and beverages could be found from the PPP finish line at Astoria to the village parking lots. Most of the buzz around O.A.R. was whether rock star Dave Matthews — staying at Teton Village on vacation, skiing and snowmobiling — would join them onstage. (He did not.)

The diehard music fans pushed the festival into the wee hours of Sunday night, when the Providence, R.I., rock group Deer Tick played the Pink Garter.

In a curious twist, the group showed up without its drummer. No explanation was given by the band or venue, but early in the show lead singer John McCauley motioned toward the rear of the stage, where a horse’s head wearing bunny ears was placed. “This is where our drummer usually is,” he said, before starting into a song. (Sources attributed the absence to a death in the family.)

There are few bands that would soldier on during a tour without a drummer, but for Deer Tick — whose songs are steeped in loneliness and alienation, heartache and addiction — the loss was a just another bump in the long, beer-drenched road. While many fans grumbled, particularly the bro’s up front craving a mosh pit, the show took on the feel of MTV’s “Unplugged.” The songs stood up well, driven by McCauley’s high-pitched voice that sears like a branding iron.

“We’re full-grown men, but we act like kids,” he ranted during “The Bump,” a line that resonated in the playground of Jackson Hole.

Alternately rolling his eyes skyward to summon intensity and popping tops off beer bottles with his teeth, McCauley proved himself a showman, evocative at times of Kurt Cobain. There were rowdy covers of The Pogues and The Who.

But the most incandescent moments came toward the end of the show, with a cover of Chuck Berry’s “Maybelline,” sang by guitarist Ian O’Neil, followed by a tender “Houston, TX” that captured the spirit of the night.

“I know it’s best that in this broken heart of mine,” McCauley sang, “is where I’ll begin to moving on. Oh, move on.”

Even shorthanded, Deer Tick brought the heft that O.A.R. lacked. After a winter of much heartache, the weekend was a welcome nod to moving on.

U.S. Rep. Cynthia Lummis and Sen. John Barrasso said the games will provide an entertaining way of determining federal funding.

Unwilling to budge on spending cuts, Wyoming’s congressional delegation announced today a new plan to turn Yellowstone National Park into a dystopic battleground in which public land managers will fight to the death for funding.

Grand Teton superintendent Mary Gibson Scott and YNP chief Dan Wenk will compete in Hunger Games: Yellowstone, along with Scott Guenther, head of the Jenny Lake rangers, National Elk Refuge manager Steve Kallin and Cheryl Probert, acting Bridger-Teton National Forest supervisor.

U.S. Rep. Cynthia Lummis held a lavish bash at Four Seasons to announce the contest, attended by hundreds of oil and gas industry executives. Lummis hailed the plan as necessary belt tightening in a time of economic austerity.

“Instead of blindly filling desks, these bureaucrats will expose themselves to feel what wretches feel, and show the heavens more just,” she said.

Sen. John Barrasso said Yellowstone’s 3,500 square miles will serve as the perfect venue for the competition. Flesh-hungry grizzly bears and wolves will add extra drama as land managers engage one another in an atavistic struggle, against a backdrop of steaming geysers and bubbling mud pots. Barrasso has signed a deal with Fox News to broadcast the contest.

An eruption of the Yellowstone caldera could make for a thrilling climax.

Jeff Golightly, director of the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, expressed disappointment that the games won’t be held in neighboring Grand Teton park, which would have filled more hotel rooms in a typically slow time of year. But he and Mayor Mark Barron were already busy rounding up sponsorships from local businesses for the participants.

For her part, Gibson Scott said she was unafraid of the challenge. Jackson realtor Tim Mayo might be thrown into the games as a sacrifice. “I have one mission, and that is to protect Grand Teton National Park,” Scott said, after launching an arrow into the neck of a deer along a closed section of the Moose-Wilson Road.

Concerned that Teton County residents might rally behind one or more of the public lands managers, Barrasso and Lummis have turned to their overlord, Dick Cheney, to devise torture methods for the competitors, should the natural survival challenges not be enough.

“Do not give them hope,” Cheney said.

The juvenile lions take refuge on a fence. Click to enlarge.

A week after a family of mountain lions devoured an unfortunately named black Lab, canines have struck back.

A pack of five coyotes chased a pair of mountain lion kittens onto a buck-and-rail fence Thursday evening on the National Elk Refuge. Staff from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service photographed the standoff, which lasted more than an hour. One cat ran away with the coyotes in pursuit, while the other hid in the grass as darkness fell.

The photos, posted in an online gallery and widely shared, had been viewed nearly two million times as of this afternoon.

The kittens appeared to have survived the encounter, as refuge staff spotted both Saturday. The whereabouts of the mother reportedly were unknown.

(Photo by Lori Iverson/USFWS)

From its beginnings as a trickle of snowmelt off Two Ocean Pass to the thunderous cataracts of its Grand Canyon and sinuous meandering through the plains of Montana, the Yellowstone River is the longest undammed river in the lower 48 states.

A new film by Hunter Weeks follows a 30-day journey by drift boat down the river to its confluence with the Missouri at Fort Buford, N.D. Where the Yellowstone Goes chronicles the people and landscapes the party encounters while floating and fishing this majestic waterway.

Weeks will show the film and take questions Wednesday night in a benefit for American Rivers at the Pink Garter Theater. Tickets are $10, available online or at Jack Dennis Sports and Teton Mountain Lodge. Showtime is 7 p.m.

I’ve always thought of the Yellowstone as one of the uppermost headwaters of the Mississippi. Along those lines, I’d someday like to make a journey from Atlantic Creek all the way to New Orleans.