High Wind — Eastern San Miguel County, New Mexico

2021-12-10 · Eastern San Miguel County, New Mexico

Event narrative

Trained spotters near Conchas Dam and Bell Ranch estimated wind gusts to 60 mph across eastern San Miguel County. The observer near Bell Ranch reported blowing dust associated with the wind, but no damage.

Wider weather episode

A very strong storm system with high winds and mountain snow impacted much of northern and central New Mexico on December 9-10, 2021. As this system tracked over the area, it steered a potent upper-level jet over the state. With the classic combination of strengthening upper-level winds and a deepening lee-side low over northeast New Mexico, a very windy day was the result across much of the area with the strongest winds in excess of 60 mph along and east of the central mountain chain. The highest wind gust of this event was recorded at the top of the Sandia Mountains with a gust of 72 mph. The high winds were responsible for large areas of blowing dust and reduced visibility across the eastern plains where very dry conditions were in place. Numerous reports of downed trees across the east were also received along with damage reports of peeled roofs and broken windows. This system also brought the first significant snow to the mountain areas of northern and western New Mexico where snowpack was well below average for the start of the season. The highest snow totals were received in the Tusas Mountains where mountain peaks received up to 11 inches. However, the combination of winds in this area also resulted in impacts with slick roads and areas of blowing snow creating treacherous travel conditions.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 988419. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.