Heavy Snow — Lower Chama River Valley, New Mexico

2014-11-15 to 2014-11-16 · Lower Chama River Valley, New Mexico

Event narrative

Numerous reports from trained spotters, CoCoRaHS, public, and social media across the area reported between 2 and 4 inches of snow.

Wider weather episode

An upper level storm system over Utah shifted slowly east southeast across New Mexico on the 15th and 16th. Meanwhile a powerful back door cold front moved south and west across the eastern plains, ushering in the coldest temperatures of the fall season. The combination of cold air, sufficient moisture, and upslope flow along the central mountain chain produced hefty snowfall accumulations. Upwards of 12 to 18 inches were reported in portions of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, with roughly 1 to 5 inches over much of the eastern plains. No major impacts to travel were noted along interstate corridors, however U.S. Highway 54 was closed within Quay County.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 544053. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.