Heavy Snow — Northwest Highlands, New Mexico

2010-01-21 to 2010-01-23 · Northwest Highlands, New Mexico

Event narrative

Between 4 and 12 inches of snow fell across the Northwest Highlands. The heaviest snow fell around Cuba. However, the effects of the cold and snow were felt elsewhere. A 31 year old man died of exposure in Crownpoint on the 23rd. His body was found north of the chapter house with his lower legs and feet touching the snowy ground.

Wider weather episode

The third and final storm during the week of January 18th delivered heavy snow to much of western and central New Mexico from the morning of the 21st through the day on the 23rd. The first band of snow occurred on the morning of the 21st over far west and northwest sections of the state. Then, a strong cold front swept through the state on the 22nd, bringing a round of heavy snow across much of western and central New Mexico. An additional upper level disturbance crossed the southern portion of the state on the 23rd, bringing central and southern areas some additional snowfall.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 204129. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.