Island Park Snow Conditions

[Pastor]

We usually go the first week in January and we have never been disappointed except for the temps are usually brutal, like -20 or so.


We are planning Jan. 4-9 but it is looking pretty bleak on snotel for the depth of snow up there right now.


Hoping to hear some good reports soon.

 

[christopher]

Yeah, just getting a little antsy....especially after seeing all the cooke city etc pics!

Same here.

Now that I finally have my very own sled for the first time in my life, I am eager for the BLIZZARD to come and dump hard on us here in Eastern Idaho!!

 

[2k4_8]

Same here.

Now that I finally have my very own sled for the first time in my life, I am eager for the BLIZZARD to come and dump hard on us here in Eastern Idaho!!

Lol, that's the same for me....always went with my dad and now I have a shiny new King in the garage!!!!

 

[christopher]

I spent this afternoon converting my cargo trailer into a Sled-Trailer. With the cost of the new Sleds I won't be able to afford a new sled trailer this year, so I installed a Seamless Trailer Floor covering so my untreated wood floor will survive the coming abuse. Pick up the sleds on Monday, and its time to go hunting for snow!!

 

[christopher]

Drove up to Island Park once again today.
Much better than 2 weeks ago, but the snow is still thin.

Most of the weeds in the fields are now just bumps rather than sticking through.

There is MUCH more snow is the far western end of Island Park than anywhere else.

There were a good number of sleds out on the trails, but not crazy by any means.

Still looking at 16 inches or so across most of the valley.

Have pictures, will post later tonight.

 

[christopher]

The 10 day forecast for Island Park.
10 day forecast!





Mon Dec 28

Partly Cloudy
20°
-1°
20%


Tue Dec 29

Few Snow Showers
24°
10°
30% Chance of Snow!


Wed Dec 30

Snow Shower
23°
8°
40% Chance of Snow!


Thu Dec 31

Few Snow Showers
22°
8°
30% Chance of Snow!


Fri Jan 1

Snow Shower
29°
17°
40% Chance of Snow!


Sat Jan 2

Snow Shower
32°
14°
40% Chance of Snow!


Sun Jan 3

Snow Shower
25°
11°
60% Chance of Snow!


Mon Jan 4

Snow Shower
25°
12°
40% Chance of Snow!

Tue Jan 5

Snow Shower
23°
13°
60% Chance of Snow!

 

[phatty]

Just spent 5 days at Island Park Village. Probably 2 feet of snow on the valley floor.

If you get up above 7500 feet your going to find great snow. Blacks Canyon loop had really good snow up on top.

Two Top has plenty of snow up high

And I took my sled up Mt Jefferson. As far as we could see, we were the first ones up there this year. Creeks are still open, crossing them isnt that easy.

I had a great 5 days up there and though the valley snow isnt what it should be, its still a great time up high! Trails are groomed too

 

[christopher]

Snow is coming down hard in Island Park.

 

[ScubaSteve]

Trails are good, but off trail, even up top is limited.
Still need some snow. Seems like a slow year so far. Still nice to be out though.

 

[christopher]

Maybe tonight and tomorrow will result in some accumulation at long last?

 

[Pastor]

I sure hope so Monday is coming fast and we would really like to see more snow in the Island Park area before we get there.

 

[christopher]

Current Conditions:
As of 6 AM Wednesday, 12/30/09 we have received 1.5--2" of low density(6% moisture) snow in the last 24 hrs.

Avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE on all slopes, but wind-loaded slopes are very fragile.

DANGEROUS avalanche conditions exist.

We have 1-2' of "sugar" that is now covered with significant wind slabs (1--3' thick).

Don't even think of going off-trail---near steep slopes or gullies today!!!!Remember--there are always "pockets" of snow with a higher hazard than the general forecast for the area.


AVALANCHE FORECASTS are for backcountry areas--not groomed trails. Click the "blue links"
which follow for full details, since only the "highlights" are shown below:

GALLATIN N.F. AVALANCHE CENTER (click for current advisory)--As of 12/30--"Given the recent avalanches
and other signs of instability, for today, human triggered avalanches are probable and the avalanche danger
is rated CONSIDERABLE." Avalanche training is available Jan. 2-3 in West Yellostone (click here)

BRIDGER-TETON N.F. AVALANCHE CENTER (click for current advisory)--as of 12/30--"At the mid and upper
elevations areas of unstable snow persist on steep, avalanche-prone slopes where the snowpack has a
base of weak, faceted snow." A couple of slides were started by skiers on Mon. and Tues. (see the Advisory)

 

[christopher]

Updated: 3:08 am MST on December 30, 2009

Today
Widespread snow showers. Snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches. Highs 18 to 25.

Tonight
Mostly cloudy. A chance of snow in the evening...then a slight chance of snow after midnight. Snow accumulation up to 1 inch. Storm total snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches. Lows 6 to 14.

Thursday
Mostly cloudy with a slight chance of snow. Highs 17 to 25.

Thursday Night
Snow likely. Significant accumulations possible. Lows 10 to 20.

New Years Day
Snow. Not as cold. Accumulations possible. Highs 26 to 33.

Friday Night
Snow likely. Significant accumulations possible. Lows 14 to 22.

 

[Pastor]

Sounds Hopeful!!!

 

[christopher]

Very!
I hope to take my three new sleds up Friday/Saturday and begin the break in process this weekend!

 

[BIGGDAWG]

we will be in island park in a week. the 9-16 any locals want to hook up and maybe show us around? it would be very appreciated.

been going to cooke city for the last 10 or so years wanted to check out a new place.

 

[tgoodwin]

Well I hope things improve between now and then, or you may never want to come back to IP. So far this is one of the worst snow years we've had for quite a while. The forecast is looking decent so hopefully the 3-7 inches forecast for tonight and tomorrow will be more like 13-17 or something like that. What kind of riding do you guys normally like? If you're big on climbing and backcountry stuff I'd advise against it. It's a beautiful place though so you can always find some fun stuff to do. Not sure if I'll be working while you guys are here, but if not I might join you for a day or two. I'm sure there are plenty of guys who will be kickin around though. Drive safe when you come.

 

[BIGGDAWG]

we are into exploring, boondocking in the trees a little climbing. we like finding the powder and riping it up.

been watching the forcast and it is looking promising.

 

[christopher]

we are into exploring, boondocking in the trees a little climbing. we like finding the powder and riping it up.

Just keep in mind the avalanche danger.

 

[801]

Caution!

Just remember to be careful and if ya do decide to get off the trail right now make sure ya have good insurance on both you and your sled!! No base to work with!