Alert archive / New Mexico / Winter Storm Warnings in 2021

Winter Storm Warning 10, NWS Albuquerque, NM

December 14, 2021Rio Arriba County, Taos County, New Mexico

NWS Albuquerque, NM issued this winter storm warning at Dec 14, 2021, 1:16 PM MST for Rio Arriba County, Taos County, New Mexico. It took effect at Dec 14, 2021, 8:00 PM MST. It was in force for 15 hr. 4 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Dec 14, 2021, 1:16 PM MST (20:16 UTC)
In effect from
Dec 14, 2021, 8:00 PM MST
Expired
Dec 15, 2021, 11:00 AM MST
In force
15 hr
Issued by
NWS Albuquerque, NM

Counties Rio Arriba County, NM, Taos County, NM

The radar

The Albuquerque radar (KABX), 166 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:19 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Dec 15, 6:00 AM MSTSNOW 28 Ssw San Miguel, NMSAN ANTONIO SINK SNOTEL.
Dec 15, 7:00 AM MSTSNOW 28 Ssw Red River, NMTAOS SKI AREA.
Dec 15, 8:44 AM MSTSNOW 1.5Dulce, NM
Dec 15, 9:05 AM MSTSNOW 1Dulce, NM

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The nearest sounding before it

Albuquerq/Krtlnd, NM (KABQ), launched 12:00Z, 8.3 hours before the alert went out and 171 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Albuquerq/Krtlnd, NM at 12:00Z on 2021-12-14Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Albuquerq/Krtlnd, NM at 12:00Z on 2021-12-14The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 109 square meters per square second.1939587897Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
2258 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
44 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
109 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
94 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

649 
WWUS45 KABQ 142016
WSWABQ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
116 PM MST Tue Dec 14 2021

...HIGH WINDS AND BLOWING SNOW WILL CREATE WHITEOUT CONDITIONS EARLY 
WEDNESDAY MORNING...

.A strong cold front producing moderate to heavy snow will combine 
with very strong winds to produce whiteout conditions and near zero 
visibility early Wednesday morning near sunrise. Eight to twelve 
inches of snow accumulation is forecast for the high terrain above 
9,000 feet, creating hazardous travel along U.S. Highway 64.

NMZ210-150515-
/O.UPG.KABQ.WS.A.0009.211215T0300Z-211215T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KABQ.WS.W.0010.211215T0300Z-211215T1800Z/
Tusas Mountains Including Chama-
116 PM MST Tue Dec 14 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING TO 11 AM 
MST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 
  8 inches. Winds gusting as high as 70 mph.

* WHERE...Tusas Mountains Including Chama.

* WHEN...From 8 PM this evening to 11 AM MST Wednesday. The worst 
  winter storm conditions will exist between 4 to 8 am Wednesday 
  morning.

* IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will 
  likely become slick and hazardous. Visibilities may drop below 1/4 
  mile due to falling and blowing snow. Whiteout conditions are 
  expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially 
  life-threatening. Travel could be very difficult. Tire traction 
  will be reduced. Extend the distance between your vehicle and the 
  vehicle in front of you. Very strong winds could cause extensive 
  damage to trees and power lines.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency. For the latest road 
conditions, dial 511 or 1.800.432.4269, or visit http://nmroads.com.

Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely 
necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden 
changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the 
motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your 
destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially 
cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is 
winterized and in good working order.

&&

$$

24
4 follow-up statements
918 
WWUS45 KABQ 142122
WSWABQ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
222 PM MST Tue Dec 14 2021

...HIGH WINDS AND BLOWING SNOW WILL CREATE WHITEOUT CONDITIONS EARLY 
WEDNESDAY MORNING...

.A strong cold front producing moderate to heavy snow will combine 
with very strong winds to produce whiteout conditions and near zero 
visibility early Wednesday morning near sunrise. Eight to twelve 
inches of snow accumulation is forecast for the high terrain above 
9,000 feet, creating hazardous travel along U.S. Highway 64.

NMZ210-150500-
/O.CON.KABQ.WS.W.0010.211215T0300Z-211215T1800Z/
Tusas Mountains Including Chama-
222 PM MST Tue Dec 14 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING TO 
11 AM MST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 
  8 inches, except up to 12 inches above 9,000 feet. Winds gusting 
  as high as 70 mph.

* WHERE...Tusas Mountains Including Chama.

* WHEN...From 8 PM this evening to 11 AM MST Wednesday. The worst 
  winter storm conditions will exist between 4 to 8 am Wednesday 
  morning.

* IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will 
  likely become slick and hazardous. Visibilities may drop below 1/4 
  mile due to falling and blowing snow. Whiteout conditions are 
  expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially 
  life-threatening. Travel could be very difficult. Tire traction 
  will be reduced. Extend the distance between your vehicle and the 
  vehicle in front of you. Very strong winds could cause extensive 
  damage to trees and power lines.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency. For the latest road 
conditions, dial 511 or 1.800.432.4269, or visit http://nmroads.com.

Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely 
necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden 
changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the 
motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your 
destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially 
cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is 
winterized and in good working order.

&&

$$

24
706 
WWUS45 KABQ 150448
WSWABQ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
948 PM MST Tue Dec 14 2021

...HIGH WINDS AND BLOWING SNOW WILL CREATE WHITEOUT CONDITIONS EARLY 
WEDNESDAY MORNING...

.A strong cold front producing moderate to heavy snow will combine 
with very strong winds to produce whiteout conditions and near zero 
visibility early Wednesday morning near sunrise. Eight to twelve 
inches of snow accumulation is forecast for the high terrain above 
9,000 feet, creating hazardous travel along U.S. Highway 64.

NMZ210-151200-
/O.CON.KABQ.WS.W.0010.000000T0000Z-211215T1800Z/
Tusas Mountains Including Chama-
948 PM MST Tue Dec 14 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM MST 
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 
  8 inches, except up to 12 inches above 9,000 feet. Winds gusting 
  as high as 70 mph.

* WHERE...Tusas Mountains Including Chama.

* WHEN...Until 11 AM MST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will 
  likely become slick and hazardous. Visibilities may drop below 1/4 
  mile due to falling and blowing snow. Whiteout conditions are 
  expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially 
  life-threatening. Travel could be very difficult. Tire traction 
  will be reduced. Extend the distance between your vehicle and the 
  vehicle in front of you. Very strong winds could cause extensive 
  damage to trees and power lines.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency. For the latest road 
conditions, dial 511 or 1.800.432.4269, or visit http://nmroads.com.

Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely 
necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden 
changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the 
motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your 
destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially 
cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is 
winterized and in good working order.

&&

$$

15
248 
WWUS45 KABQ 150934
WSWABQ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
234 AM MST Wed Dec 15 2021

NMZ210-151800-
/O.CON.KABQ.WS.W.0010.000000T0000Z-211215T1800Z/
Tusas Mountains Including Chama-
234 AM MST Wed Dec 15 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM MST THIS 
MORNING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations between 2 and 4 
  inches. Winds gusting between 50 and up to 70 mph.

* WHERE...Tusas Mountains Including Chama.

* WHEN...Until 11 AM MST this morning.

* IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will 
  likely become slick and hazardous. Visibilities may drop below 1/4 
  mile due to falling and blowing snow. Whiteout conditions are 
  expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially 
  life-threatening. Travel could be very difficult. Tire traction 
  will be reduced. Extend the distance between your vehicle and the 
  vehicle in front of you. Very strong winds could cause extensive 
  damage to trees and power lines.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency. For the latest road 
conditions, dial 511 or 1.800.432.4269, or visit http://nmroads.com.

Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely 
necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden 
changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the 
motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your 
destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially 
cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is 
winterized and in good working order.

&&

$$
027 
WWUS45 KABQ 151758
WSWABQ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
1058 AM MST Wed Dec 15 2021

NMZ210-151900-
/O.EXP.KABQ.WS.W.0010.000000T0000Z-211215T1800Z/
Tusas Mountains Including Chama-
1058 AM MST Wed Dec 15 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 11 AM MST THIS MORNING...

Though a few areas of snow continue, much of the accumulation has 
ended. Any additional snow accumulations will generally be less than 
an inch or two. Therefore, additional impacts are not expected, and 
the Winter Storm Warning will be allowed to expire.

$$

44

The office that day

Everything else NWS Albuquerque, NM issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Dec 14, 2:02 AM MSTWinter Storm WatchABQRio Arriba, Taos11 hr
Dec 14, 2:26 AM MSTRed Flag WarningABQHarding, San Miguel, Union39 hr
Dec 14, 12:40 PM MSTHigh Wind WarningABQBernalillo, Catron, Chaves, Cibola, Colfax, Curry and 18 more28 hr
Dec 14, 12:40 PM MSTWind AdvisoryABQBernalillo, Catron, Chaves, Cibola, Lincoln, McKinley and 9 more28 hr

Nearby

Winter Storm Warnings in New Mexico, 2021Every winter storm warning in 2021

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.