Nature News by Cathy Shill
Posted on Friday, February 1st, 2008
January.
I.
What a snowy month. We are within 100 inches of our annual snowfall. We have surpassed last year’s 340 inches of snow and we have two more months of winter. This is certainly the year to have warm hats and gloves and to be prepared for changing weather and blustery winds.
I always chuckle when weather patterns in Jackson Hole are described as winter storms and not blizzards. When my brother visited over the weekend we experienced a winter storm. We got up to ski with a foot of fresh snow. It was stormy but not bad.
As we made our way up Jackson Hole Mountain Resort the weather changed. We were standing in line at the Thunder Quad as the wind really picked up. Strong gusts will close the lift and when high winds are recorded a bell sounds. As we stood in line, the bell rang and rang. The lift slowed. We hoped and prayed that we could load the lift to ski the fresh snow.
Who thinks about weather and safety? We wanted to ski. Well, the lift closed and I guess it took some people 40 minutes to make it to the top. The usual ride is 10 minutes. We made our way out of the maze to ski tramline back to the bottom. At this point, the wind was gale-force and visibility was minimal. I felt as if I could have been in a down comforter with lots of feathers spinning in a dryer (except cold). Whipped.
As we made our way down, I knew we had to stay in sight of each other for safety and skiing near trees gives you the best depth perception. We got to the bottom and went to the gondola to see the lift status. At this point, the trees were bending like rubber bands and the wind was strong. So strong that you bend into it not to get blown over and we were still trying to ski.
After testing our clothing in the winter weather for about 30 minutes, the resort decided to close the entire mountain and give refunds to be used on another ski day. We were still mostly dry. GORE-TEX, you can’t beat it.
The weather continued to pummel the valley and all the roads closed. Visibility was minimal or non-existent. We were forced to shelter and the bar while the weather raged. We felt safe with friends and laughter. I wondered how the animals were doing?
By my definition, it was a blizzard.
II.
It is amazing to watch the storms. When I nestle in my house and listen to the wind, I can’t help but think of the animals and birds and how they survive. Can you imagine a small chickadee seeking refuge against the trunk of a tree protected by branches? Our winds have been so strong, I wonder if the birds get blown off the tree. The animals certainly have lots of snow for dens so they can seek warmth and shelter. The deep snow is needed for a great growing season but also hard for the animals to navigate and move through. Movement requires a lot of energy. They have evolved with winter so they innately know what to do. Fun to contemplate.
Our deep snow pack force the animals closer to town and the roadways. We must keep constant vigilance to not to hit them while driving nor stress them as we play in the mountains.
III.
On January 23, I had an amazing experience. I left my house with my dogs for a short walk and immediately saw a dark shape in a cottonwood tree near our driveway. As I got closer, I realized it was a mature Bald Eagle! It was amazing. I talked to it in a soothing voice and told him or her that I wouldn’t hurt it and just needed to walk beneath it. Well, the bird was puffed up and enjoying the sun since this was a cold day. Birds will “puff up” as a way to stay warm. By puffing their feathers, they insulate better. Just imagine a down coat. It is a similar process.
As I walked beneath it, it looked directly at me, through me. I wasn’t a threat so I just got to observe. The eyes were so clear and the white feathers on its head made a headdress. It was magnificent. Its intelligence made me stop, awestruck. I thought about taking a picture but didn’t want to disturb it so the photo is in my memory and there it will stay.
IV.
Locally and regionally, the wolves are getting a lot of attention. They are supposed to be removed from the Endangered Species Act next month. One thing that I have learned about philosophy of wolves: you either like them or you don’t. I would be in the “like them” category but we might be outnumbered. There is controversy over the wolves in every facet of their existence. It makes the battle a big one. For me, to have such a majestic animal- a native one is amazing. They have the role of the predator. They keep elk populations in check. If you don’t realize the importance of predators, just think about the overpopulation of deer in the Northeast. They don’t have a predator to reduce their numbers so herd size just grows and grows and they eat and eat … everything. Just ask a gardener.
For the wolves, there numbers will be reduced once they are de-listed and managed by the individual states: Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. Hundreds of wolves will be shot to get to the “manageable” number of a few hundred and to contain them within the decided territories. If they leave the territory, they might die. They are also being accused of weakening the elk, but that is false since the factors are many: loss of habitat, drought, and predators. Our homes take a lot of winter territory so we negatively affect the herd size. Wolves are being falsely accused on many issues.
If we lose the wolves, we lose part of ourselves. It is time to speak up for nature, for the wolves.
Ask yourself- can we live without the earth? Well, no. Can the earth survive without us? Well, yes. It is time to realize our dependence on clean air (thanks to the plants) and clean water. We might lose the wolves and the polar bears, but if we’re not careful, we will also lose us. It is time to become aware and reduce our imprint on the earth. Take bags to the grocery stores, drive less, and spend time in nature to breathe /to center yourself so you have less stress and anxiety. Make a stand, make a difference.
VI.
What’s in the Woods
1/3: 16 inches of snow in the high country
1/4: Teton Village Road- young moose
1/7: Victor, ID- sharp-tailed grouse
1/8: Jackson Hole Airport- two bull moose feeding on antelope bitterbrush
1/9: Victor, ID- two magpies playing in snow?!
1/11: Teton Canyon- two moose bedded in snow
1/12: Grand Teton National Park, Antelope Flats area- five-eight greater sage grouse. Gros Ventre River- bull moose, coyote feeding, herd of cow elk
1/15: Blowing snow, blizzard conditions
1/17: Pole Canyon-bald eagle
1/18: Snake River-bald eagle
Fall Creek- cow moose
1/19: Wilson, WY- cow moose
1/20: Fish Creek- belted kingfisher
1/23: Victor- Mature bald eagle resting near our driveway!
1/27: Teton Village- cow moose near Union Pass chair lift
1/28: Blizzard conditions
1/29: East Gros Ventre Butte- herd of mule deer
VII.
Trail Suggestion:
This winter is the first time that the Moose-Wilson Road gives access all the way to Phelps Lake near Death Canyon. Last month I gave directions to Phelps Lake from the north. This is a great ski from the south. The area was owned by John Rockefeller, Jr. and his family. His great grandson, Laurence, gave it back to the park a few years ago and funded a nature center. The center will be open in the summer and focuses on your senses and connecting to nature.
In the winter you can explore the area on skis or snowshoes.
To ski to the lake from the south, you access the trail at the end of the Teton Village Road. You start at the Moose-Wilson Road which is about one mile past Teton Village. You pass into Grand Teton National Park and park at the Granite Canyon Trailhead. You ski out the unplowed road and will pass the northern gate in about two miles. You head northwest up the old JY ranch road. Once you enter into a more forested area, you turn north to reach the lake. It is a fantastic ski and is about 5.5 miles round trip. You can also continue down the Moose-Wilson road to the Death Canyon trailhead which is another great option. Have fun!
Monthly contributor Biologist Cathy Shill runs The Hole Hiking Experience.
