Winter Storm — Estancia Valley, New Mexico

2021-03-23 to 2021-03-24 · Estancia Valley, New Mexico

Event narrative

The combination of heavy snow and strong winds resulted in severe driving conditions along Interstate 40 east of Moriarty for several hours on March 24. The poor conditions led to a major accident involving multiple vehicles 10 miles east of Moriarty along Interstate 40. Thirty-nine vehicles were involved of which thirty-five were tractor trailers. As a result, Interstate 40 was closed into the morning hours of March 25th. Eleven people were injured, but no fatalities occurred. Damages are estimated for the multiple vehicles involved.

Wider weather episode

A strong and cold low pressure system deepened over the Great Basin area before tracking eastward over the state of New Mexico starting on March 23 and continuing through March 24, 2021. Meanwhile, a potent cold front surged south and west through eastern New Mexico, and upslope flow associated with this front helped to set the stage for heavy snow across the east slopes of the central mountain chain. The highest snow accumulations were observed across the northern mountains and along the east slopes where 12 to 24 inches was received. This led to snow-packed and icy roads across much of northern and central New Mexico, and travel was heavily impacted. A major accident involving 39 vehicles along Interstate 40 east of Moriarty led to several injuries as well as the closure of the busy travel corridor. Meanwhile, as the cold front was channeled through the central mountain chain, very strong gap winds were observed in the Albuquerque area. The Albuquerque Sunport measured a peak wind gust of 68 mph which resulted in numerous reports of downed trees and power outages across the city.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 941388. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.