Heavy Snow — San Juan Mountains, New Mexico

2015-12-14 to 2015-12-15 · San Juan Mountains, New Mexico

Event narrative

Various sources across eastern Rio Arriba County reported between 4 and 9 inches of new snow. Blowing snow and frigid temperatures with this event led to low visibilities in the high terrain along with hazardous travel conditions.

Wider weather episode

A fast-moving storm system arrived over New Mexico early on the 14th immediately on the heels of the widespread snowfall event from the 11th to the 13th. Much colder air moved into the state with this system and led to another round of heavy mountain snow and hazardous travel conditions. A sharp band of snow along the initial frontal passage moved through western New Mexico early on the 14th and weather conditions quickly deteriorated through the day. The upper storm system pushed east along the Colorado and New Mexico state line then shifted into the northern high terrain. Moist, unstable upslope flow impacted the San Juans and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains through the 15th. Snowfall at resort level averaged 6 to 12 inches. Blowing snow was reported with this event as westerly winds peaked out in the 20 to 30 mph range.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 604732. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.