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

2018-01-26 · East Slopes of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains, New Mexico

Event narrative

Sustained winds between 40 and 44 mph were reported near Tierra Monte.

Wider weather episode

A fast moving upper level trough moving through the southern Rockies forced strong winds through the high terrain of central New Mexico and the adjacent eastern plains. West winds increased over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains during the early morning hours then peaked just after sunrise with gusts near 60 mph around Taos Ski Valley. Strong winds spread onto the east slopes and nearby high plains through the late morning hours before peaking during the early afternoon. Sustained winds of 35 to 45 mph with gusts between 50 and 60 mph were reported from near Angel Fire south to Las Vegas, Clines Corners, and the Sacramento Mountains. Very dry conditions with these winds and above normal temperatures generated critical fire weather over much of eastern New Mexico.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 729368. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.