What’s Up With the Smoke?
What to do when it's smoky in Jackson Hole
It's not uncommon to get hazy views of the Tetons in the summer and fall months, but it doesn't mean you have to call off your trip. It just means there are a few things to pay attention to while you're here.
The most important thing to remember when visiting Jackson Hole during wildfire season is to know before you go. Keep an eye on updates from local resources, wildfire maps, and WYDOT road closures to plan a safe, healthy, and enjoyable trip to Jackson in the summer and fall.
Due to the nearby Pack Trail Fire, the Wyoming Department of Transportation is warning of potential closure of US 287 & US 26, which includes Togwotee pass between Dubois, WY and Moran, WY. Check current road conditions and be prepared to utilize an alternate route if necessary.
Togwotee Pass Wildfire UpdatesWildfire Information
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Wildfire Map
This inciweb site is updated frequently including info on lodging closures/evacuations, forest/trail closures, and potential highway road closures that all may affect visitors. Zoom into Jackson to see if any fires are active in the area.
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Air Quality Alerts
AirNow.gov provides up-to-date information about smoke and health considerations in the area.
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Buckrail News
Buckrail is the local quick hit news source and a great resource for info on current fire conditions.
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Pack Trail Fire
The Pack Trail Fire is an active fire on Bridger-Teton National Forest, to the East of Jackson Hole. The Town of Jackson is not under evacuation notice, but “Upper Gros Ventre area above the Goosewing Road Junction has been notified to prepare to evacuate. On the agency’s scale of “Ready, Set, Go,” that area is now in the “Set” stage.”
Live updates can be found here.
Daily Reports
Visit Jackson Hole hosts an online daily report, including weather, fire danger, air quality, and live webcams with real-time footage from the parks. Check this report before going outside on an adventure to ensure a safe and fun experience.
Daily Report
Take a peek across the valley from one of Jackson Hole's numerous webcams, be prepared for your wilderness experience by understanding the wildfire danger, and be aware of current travel alerts to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in Jackson Hole.
ExploreFire Safety
When it’s already dry and smoky in Jackson Hole, it’s important not to contribute to the problem. Always check to see if any restrictions are in place during your visit. To see those rules in real-time, visit the website of the area where you’ll be recreating.
- Bridger-Teton National Forest fire danger
- Grand Teton National Park fire danger
- Yellowstone National Park fire danger
At all times, regardless of fire danger levels, keep fires small and have a plan for putting them out before lighting them. All recreationists should have a shovel on hand and a water bucket ready for use. Soak, stir, feel, repeat. Make sure your campfire is “dead out” and cold to the touch before leaving. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave!
Quick Weather Changes
The weather changes quickly in Jackson Hole, and fire activity is no different. A strong wind can escalate a wildfire or force it to rapidly change direction. Likewise, a heavy rain or freezing temperatures can subdue wildfire growth and provide relief. Again, it’s important to read local updates and listen to any information coming directly from the source.
On the bright side, this can mean smoke one day and clear weather the next. Just becuase it’s hazy when you enter Jackson, doesn’t mean the Tetons will be difficult to see. And if the view is blocked one day, it may not be the next. Be open to changing plans and enjoy the flexibility of being on vacation!
Road Closures
Wildfires near roadways can cause road closures. Fires in Bridger-Teton National Forest may impact US-26, fires near Yellowstone could impact US-89, and fires in Alpine or Pinedale could have effects on US-189. However, fire crews and WYDOT always work to get entry points open as quickly as possible. A wildfire could cause a road closure for a couple hours or a couple days.
For real-time information on road closures throughout the state of Wyoming, view WYDOT’s map.
Know Before You Go
While smoke blurring the Tetons can feel apocalyptic to visiting sightseers, wildfires are actually a natural part of the circle of life. When created from natural causes (like lightning), wildfires have ecological benefits. They can help rejuvenate forests and benefit conservation.
In Jackson, we often get smoke blowing in from large wildland fires in places like California and Oregon that pose no immediate risk to the area. Other times, fires are much closer to home and can pose an immediate risk to landscapes, homes, structures, and even people’s lives.
Always know before entering Jackson’s public lands and wilderness if there are nearby fires and where they are located. And have an “exit strategy” before you leave.
To report NEW fire or smoke, call Teton Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 307-739-3630.