High Wind — Upper Tularosa Valley, New Mexico

2024-03-24 · Upper Tularosa Valley, New Mexico

Event narrative

The Pole 616 White Sands Missile Range mesonet station measured a peak gust of 62 mph. The Oscura Range mesonet station also measured a peak gust of 60 mph.

Wider weather episode

A strong upper level storm system crossed northern NM on March 24th with it's associated jet streak crossing much of southeastern NM. A strong Pacific cold front crossed west to east during the morning with gusty winds, and snow pushing through western and northern NM and into portions of the Rio Grande Valley during the morning. This front along with strong southwesterly flow brought high winds through most of the eastern plains for most of the day on the 24th. Numerous locations along and east of the central recorded peak wind gusts of 58 to 75 mph. Localized dust source regions were activated causing near zero visibility between Roswell and Artesia. This forced the closure of that stretch of U.S. Highway 285. Thankfully there were not reports of accidents. Heavy snow began over the northern mountains on March 24th, continuing over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and adjacent highlands through March 25th and into the early predawn hours of March 26th. Snow totals for the event were very impressive over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in particular where the Taos and Santa Fe Ski resorts reported 40 and 34 inches respectively. Snow and blowing snow was reported along the U.S. 64 corridor in far northeastern NM between Raton and Clayton during the morning of March 25th resulting in severe winter driving conditions.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1158536. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.