High Wind — Lower Chama River Valley, New Mexico

2014-12-22 · Lower Chama River Valley, New Mexico

Event narrative

Mesonet site at Los Alamos National Laboratory reported 60 mph gust.

Wider weather episode

An upper level low pressure system shifted eastward from the Great Basin. The associated strong jet stream and weak moisture plume created widespread gusty winds. Winds were strongest in typical northwest flow areas like the Sandia and Manzano Mountains eastward to Clines Corners where gusts near 60 mph were reported. Light snowfall amounts were reported in many areas along and east of the central mountain chain, however the heaviest accumulations were over far northeast New Mexico on the back side of the exiting storm system. Generally 5 to 10 inches was reported over northern Colfax and Union counties. Several highways were then closed over the northeast plains due to blowing snow as the storm intensified over the Great Plains.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 545993. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.