Heavy Rain in Catron County, New Mexico

Various observers, automated gages, and broadcast media indicated heavy rainfall with significant impacts around southwest Catron County. Rainfall amounts averaged 2 to 3 inches in the Mogollon Mountains and Gila River watershed. Low water crossings near the Catwalk were flooded and closed. A group of hikers were stranded by the Gila River and lifted to safety by rescue teams. No injuries, fatalities, or significant damages occurred.

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.