Heavy Snow — San Juan Mountains, New Mexico

2016-02-01 · San Juan Mountains, New Mexico

Event narrative

Snowfall amounts generally ranged between 5 and 16 inches. Chama received just over a foot (13.5 inches) while Dulce farther west and lower in elevation received 4 inches. Gusty winds and blowing snow resulted in difficult to severe driving conditions throughout the region.

Wider weather episode

A vigorous low pressure system and associated cold front produced widespread snow, heavy at times, across much of the area late on the 31st through the 1st before diminishing early on the 2nd. Many locales in the northern New Mexico high country received between 1 and 2 feet of new snow with significant snowfall also reported across higher elevations of the west. Snowfall impacts at lower elevations were generally limited, as most of the precipitation accompanied a strong cold front that swept the area from west to east rather quickly during the day on Monday the 2nd. Peak wind gusts between 60 mph and near 70 mph developed along and immediate behind the cold front across parts of south central and southeast New Mexico. Temperatures dropped as much as 15 degrees in less an hour behind the cold front.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 610248. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.