Heavy Snow — San Juan Mountains, New Mexico

2016-12-22 to 2016-12-23 · San Juan Mountains, New Mexico

Event narrative

Reports around eastern Rio Arriba County indicated between 2 and 8 inches of new snow fell with amounts as high as 11 inches in the high terrain.

Wider weather episode

A slow-moving upper level low pressure system over the eastern Pacific forced an exceptional moisture tap northeastward into the desert southwest. Atmospheric water content within this rich atmosphere broke daily and monthly records for December in both New Mexico and Arizona. Heavy rainfall impacted the Gila Wilderness where upwards of 2 to 3 inches of rain fell. Significant river rises occurred and many low water crossings were flooded below the Mogollon Mountains. A group of hikers were stranded near the Gila River until rescuers lifted them to safety. Meanwhile, the combination of warm, moist air overriding a shallow, cold airmass over eastern New Mexico resulted in a rare freezing rain and sleet event from the east slopes of the central mountain chain onto the high plains. Temperatures in the mid to upper 20's created difficult travel conditions along Interstates 40 and 25 north and east of Albuquerque, with treacherous travel reported on side streets and rural highways in the high plains. Temperatures were cold enough to support heavy snow in the northern mountains above 9000 feet where 6 to 12 inches fell. Localized higher amounts near 20 inches were reported in the highest terrain of Taos County.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 664061. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.