High Wind — West Slopes of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains, New Mexico

2016-11-17 · West Slopes of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains, New Mexico

Event narrative

Observer east of Santa Fe in the higher terrain reported a peak wind gust of 63 mph.

Wider weather episode

The first significant storm system of the fall season raced across New Mexico with high winds, blowing dust, and much colder temperatures. Winds increased quickly after sunrise then peaked by early afternoon as a strong cold front raced eastward across the state. The strongest winds impacted eastern New Mexico where widespread gusts of 60 to 70 mph were common. A peak wind of 94 mph was reported at the top of the Sandia Peak Tram. The Rio Grande Valley also experienced strong winds with some minor damage reported around Santa Fe and Albuquerque. This storm system also brought an end to the fifth longest growing season with the third latest freeze on record in Albuquerque.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 660340. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.