Heavy Snow — San Juan Mountains, New Mexico

2015-01-30 to 2015-01-31 · San Juan Mountains, New Mexico

Event narrative

COOP Observer and SNOTEL reports indicated between 7 and 14 inches of snow.

Wider weather episode

A closed upper level low that developed southwest of San Diego California moved into central Arizona early on the 30th before shifting south into Mexico on the 31st. This system drew significant subtropical moisture northward into the area, with nearly record high precipitable water values that were around 3 standard deviations above the mean. Mid level warm air advection prevented a more widespread snow event, limiting major snowfall accumulations to mainly areas above 7500 feet. Even then, a significantly deep warm layer on the 31st created a mix of rain, snow, and sleet for locations as high up as 10000 feet. Fifteen inches of snow was reported in the Jemez Mountains with nearly 2 inches of rain falling in the Glenwood area. High flows, mud, rocks, and debris were reported along the access road to the Catwalk in Catron County.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 551725. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.