Heavy Snow — San Agustin Plains and Adjacent Lowlands, New Mexico

2020-02-11 · San Agustin Plains and Adjacent Lowlands, New Mexico

Event narrative

Various sources in the Magdalena area reported about 5 to 6 inches of snow. A trained spotter southeast of Magdalena reported 5 inches of snow while a CoCoRaHS observer in the area reported 6 inches.

Wider weather episode

A strong upper-level storm system over Southern California slowly moved eastward over southern New Mexico through February 12, 2020. Precipitation first began across western New Mexico late on the 10th as moisture streamed into the area ahead of this system. Meanwhile, a cold front surged south and west through eastern New Mexico, into the Rio Grande Valley, and to the Arizona border on the morning of the 11th, which cooled temperatures and helped set the stage for widespread wintry precipitation. This cold front was also responsible for strong winds in the Albuquerque metro area which resulted in large variability in snow totals. Snow was moderate to heavy at times, especially across southern New Mexico. Most of the state received snow with generally two to four inches being observed across lower elevations while the highest accumulations were observed across mountain areas with peaks receiving over a foot. Widespread travel impacts were also observed with this system with several accidents reported which caused parts of highways and interstates to be closed. Snow finally ended early in the morning on the 12th as the system lifted northeast into the Texas Panhandle.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 868644. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.