Heavy Snow in West Slopes of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains, New Mexico

Snowfall amounts along the western slope of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains ranged from 6 inches near Questa to 10 inches near Shady Brook. Difficult travel conditions were reported through this region mainly in the morning hours.

An upper level wave gathering strength over the Great Basin deepened into an upper low over northern NM then ejected quickly eastward into the Great Plains. Rain and high terrain snow showers spread over northern and central New Mexico ahead of a potent cold front arriving from the north and west. Rain changed to snow north of the Interstate 40 corridor as colder air surged into the region. Heavy snowfall amounts were reported over portions of the northern mountains and across much of far northeastern New Mexico. Strong winds combined with the snow created areas of blowing snow with reduced visibility. Snowfall amounts ranged from 6 to 10 inches with locally higher amounts near the Colorado border. Winds north and northwest became strong across portions of the area as the storm system departed the state. Wind gusts between 60 and 70 mph were reported from near Clines Corners south to Roswell. Several roads were closed across Union and Colfax counties, including U.S. 64/87.