Preparing Jackson Hole for Power Outages During Winter Weather

Understanding the Jackson Hole Power Outage

The recent power outage in Jackson Hole has left many residents and visitors confused about what caused the blackout. With winter weather on the way, there are growing concerns about additional outages occurring in the popular Wyoming tourist destination.

What Caused the Initial Jackson Hole Power Outage?

On November 12th, a significant power outage impacted the Jackson Hole area, including the town of Jackson, Teton Village, Wilson, and several other communities. According to Rocky Mountain Power, the area's utility provider, the outage was caused by a damaged conductor on a high-voltage transmission line that helps supply power to the region.

The transmission line failure led to a blackout across much of Jackson Hole lasting approximately 2 hours. With below-freezing temperatures that evening, many residents were left without heat. The outage also impacted dozens of restaurants, stores, and other businesses during the busy dinner hours and evening tourism activities.

Responding to the Jackson Hole Blackout

Rocky Mountain Power deployed several crews to inspect and repair the damaged transmission line. The source of the damage remains unknown, but the arcing from the conductor failure also ignited a small fire alongside the transmission towers. Firefighters contained the fire during the outage.

With power restored by 8 PM local time, Rocky Mountain Power representatives shared that they were looking into the root cause. The utility expressed appreciation for residents' patience during the extensive outage and restoration efforts.

However, for many Jackson visitors on what should have been a vacation evening, the blackout spoiled dining and evening plans in the walkable tourist hotspots across Jackson and Teton Village. Some businesses offered patrons refunds or rescheduled reservations to make up for the outage.

Preparing for Future Outages

While the damaged Rocky Mountain Power transmission line has been repaired, the outage unveiled how a failure in a key supply line can trigger major blackouts in Jackson Hole. Some local leaders have called for infrastructure investments and a review of energy distribution safeguards.

With winter storms looming in the forecast, the vulnerability to outages has put many Jackson hotels, restaurants, and shops on high alert. Stocking backup generators, fuel reserves, and emergency supplies has become a priority. Tourists visiting during the holidays and peak ski season are also being advised to prepare for potential power interruptions.

Outage Prevention Tips for Jackson Hole

Here are some tips that Jackson Hole businesses and visitors can follow to reduce the impacts of future outages in the region:

Invest in Backup Power Supplies

Diesel or propane generators, as well as uninterrupted power supply (UPS) batteries for electronics, can prove invaluable if another outage occurs. Route connected appliances and equipment to backup power sources during a blackout.

Stock Emergency Equipment and Supplies

Keep extra blankets, coats, and warm clothing accessible for dealing with heating loss. Also have flashlights and batteries, fuel for generators, and basic food supplies in case prolonged outages or storms cut off normal restocking.

Learn Rocky Mountain Power's Plans and Protocols

Understand the utility's infrastructure maps, outage response plans, equipment isolation and repair procedures. Identify weaknesses, redundancies, and opportunities for increased reliability.

Call for Transmission and Distribution Upgrades

Petition town officials and Rocky Mountain Power representatives to evaluate aging equipment, add redundancies in the network, trim vegetation along supply lines, and make grid durability a priority to match growing electricity demand.

Download the Rocky Mountain Power App

Use Rocky Mountain Power's mobile app during outages to report interruptions and receive status updates on expected restoration times. Help the utility pinpoint the extent of blackout zones.

Preparing a Jackson Hole Power Outage Kit

As the Jackson Hole region faces increased risks of winter weather-related outages, take charge by assembling an outage preparation kit. Useful items include:

Electronics Power Backup Equipment

Pack external battery packs and charging cables to keep cell phones and critical electronics ready if blackouts hit. Also consider solar chargers to provide off-grid power when needed.

Alternative Light Sources

Gather a stockpile of candles, fuel for lanterns, and hands-free headlamps. Check batteries for flashlights and ensure each person has their own light source.

Warmth and Shelter Gear

Prepare heavy jackets, insulated boots, gloves, blankets, face coverings, and camping supplies for enduring periods without heat in the event of winter outages.

Bottled Water and Non-Perishable Foods

Build reserves of canned goods, granola bars, dried fruit, nuts, crackers, peanut butter, and bottled water. Avoid food waste and survival challenges by readying supplies proactively.

With prudent steps taken individually and collectively, Jackson Hole residents and businesses can persevere through the serious impacts posed by future outages. Stay alert to weather threats, respond with discipline when crisis hits, and work together to strengthen community-level preparedness.

FAQs

What areas of Jackson Hole lost power during the outage?

The major outage on November 12th impacted Jackson, Teton Village, Wilson, and other surrounding communities in the area for around 2 hours.

What do experts say is the risk of additional outages this winter?

With the damaged transmission line repaired but vulnerability uncovered, local leaders believe there is an elevated risk of outages as cold weather continues with snow and wind potentially impacting supply infrastructure.

How long did it take Rocky Mountain Power to restore electricity?

Crews repaired the damaged conductor and restored power across most of Jackson Hole within approximately 2 hours despite below freezing temperatures on the night of November 12th.

What steps do businesses have to take to prepare for future outages?

Experts recommend investing in backup diesel/propane generators, stocking emergency supplies, learning Rocky Mountain Power’s response plans, and calling for infrastructure upgrades to prevent the likelihood of additional blackouts.