"I believe the anthropogenic effect for climate change is still only one of the hypotheses to explain the variability of climate." -Kanya Kusano
Climate Controls:
Jackson is greatly impacted by both meso and micro-scale controls. The meso-scale controls, specifically the huge orographic barrier of the surrounding Rocky Mountains, secondary atmospheric circulation patterns and dominating air masses play a major role in shaping the regions climate. The migration of atmospheric circulation patterns (seasonal trend) in which the polar jet and cold polar fronts create huge areas of air mass exchange along the surface along with strong high-low pressure gradients create the high winds persistent in the region. Further local or micro-scale controls contribute to a so-called microclimate where cold air drainage or ponding takes place in the valleys (where Jackson ‘Hole’ gets its name), causing Jackson to receive much more precipitation-usually in the form of snow on average than the rest of Wyoming.
1950-2011 Average Temperatures and trend line in Jackson, WY:
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Average yearly temperature trending indicates a minor increase in average High temps and a slight increase in Lows of ~1-2 degrees. Jackson is not subjected to heat-island effect nor experiences deforestation/development processes, however the data may reflect slight warming patterns and/or human error of station diurnal recording times.
Koppen-Geiger Climate Classification:
Jackson has a relatively rare climate classification as a continental microthermal climate (Dfb), this warm summer continental or hemiboreal climate, traditionally sits North of hot summer continental climates between 40 and 50` North latitude (S. Hemisphere lacks significant land mass in those latitudes). This climate classification is characteristic of temperatures averaging above 50`F in the summer months, and below 26`F in winter months (N. Hemisphere). This classification fits Jackson as its average summer (Jun, Jul, Aug) temps of 58`F and winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) temps 18`F fall within range, as do the remaining classification criteria.
Climagragh of Jackson:
Auerbach, N. A., & Halfpenny, J. C. (1991). Snowpack and the subnivean environment for different aspects of an open meadow in jackson hole, wyoming, usa. Arctic and Alpine Research, 23(1), 41-44. Retrieved from http://www.halfpenny.me/PDFby/SubnivEnv10yrs.pdf
Climate chart of Jackson, WY:
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