Alert archive / New Mexico / Winter Storm Warnings in 2021

Winter Storm Warning 9, NWS Albuquerque, NM

December 9, 2021Rio Arriba County, Taos County, New Mexico

NWS Albuquerque, NM issued this winter storm warning at Dec 9, 2021, 2:34 AM MST for Rio Arriba County, Taos County, New Mexico. It took effect at Dec 9, 2021, 11:00 AM MST. It was in force for 24 hr. 10 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 9, 2021, 2:34 AM MST (09:34 UTC)
In effect from
Dec 9, 2021, 11:00 AM MST
Expired
Dec 10, 2021, 11:00 AM MST
In force
24 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 09:37 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 10, 4:55 AM MSTSNOW 65 Nw Chama, NMCHAMITA SNOTEL.
Dec 10, 4:56 AM MSTSNOW 611 Nnw Canon Plaza, NMHOPEWELL SNOTEL.
Dec 10, 6:37 AM MSTSNOW 48 Ssw Red River, NMTAOS SKI AREA.
Dec 10, 9:00 AM MSTSNOW 25 Sse Llano Largo, NMRIO SANTA BARBARA SNOTEL.
Dec 10, 9:00 AM MSTSNOW 412 Sse Coyote, NMGARITA PEAK SNOTEL.
Dec 10, 9:00 AM MSTSNOW 58 Ne Arroyo Seco, NMTAOS POWDERHORN SNOTEL.
Dec 10, 9:00 AM MSTSNOW 59 E Cuba, NMVACAS LOCAS SNOTEL.
Dec 10, 9:00 AM MSTSNOW 7Chama, NM
Dec 10, 9:00 AM MSTSNOW 811 Nnw Canon Plaza, NMHOPEWELL SNOTEL.
Dec 10, 9:30 AM MSTSNOW 1.11 E Arroyo Seco, 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 00:00Z, 9.6 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 00:00Z on 2021-12-09Temperature 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 00:00Z on 2021-12-09The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 61 square meters per square second.1939587897117136Sfc1 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
2195 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
86 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
61 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
148 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

843 
WWUS45 KABQ 090934
WSWABQ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
234 AM MST Thu Dec 9 2021

NMZ210-092245-
/O.UPG.KABQ.WS.A.0008.211209T1800Z-211210T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KABQ.WS.W.0009.211209T1800Z-211210T1800Z/
Tusas Mountains Including Chama-
234 AM MST Thu Dec 9 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 11 AM 
MST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow 
  accumulations between 4 and 8 inches below 8,000 feet and between 
  8 and 16 inches above. Winds occasionally gusting as high as 50 
  mph.

* WHERE...Tusas Mountains Including Chama.

* WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 11 AM MST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Some roads 
  may be closed. Significant travel delays are possible. Areas of 
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. Gusty winds 
  could bring down tree branches.

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.

&&

$$

NMZ202-203-211-213-214-092245-
/O.NEW.KABQ.WW.Y.0021.211209T1800Z-211210T1800Z/
Chuska Mountains-Far Northwest Highlands-Jemez Mountains-Northern
Sangre de Cristo Mountains-Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains-
234 AM MST Thu Dec 9 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 11 
AM MST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Areas of blowing snow likely. Total snow 
  accumulations between 2 and 6 inches. Higher amounts between 8 and 
  10 inches possible over mountain peaks and higher west-facing 
  slopes. Winds occasionally gusting as high as 50 mph. Winds will 
  be strongest across the Sangre De Cristo Mountains Friday morning 
  and could gust as high as 60 mph.

* WHERE...Northern and Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Chuska 
  Mountains, Far Northwest Highlands, and Jemez Mountains.

* WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 11 AM MST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will 
  likely become slick and hazardous. Travel could be very difficult, 
  especially in areas of blowing snow. Tire traction will be 
  reduced. Extend the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle 
  in front of you. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. For the latest road 
conditions, dial 511 or 1.800.432.4269, or visit http://nmroads.com.

Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while 
driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken 
on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and 
slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.

&&

$$

11
4 follow-up statements
115 
WWUS45 KABQ 092112
WSWABQ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
212 PM MST Thu Dec 9 2021

NMZ210-100500-
/O.CON.KABQ.WS.W.0009.000000T0000Z-211210T1800Z/
Tusas Mountains Including Chama-
212 PM MST Thu Dec 9 2021

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

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow 
  accumulations between 4 and 8 inches below 8,000 feet and between 
  8 and 16 inches above. Winds occasionally gusting as high as 45 
  mph.

* WHERE...Tusas Mountains Including Chama.

* WHEN...Until 11 AM MST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Some roads 
  may be closed. Significant travel delays are possible. Areas of 
  blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.

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.

&&

$$

NMZ205-206-100500-
/O.EXB.KABQ.WW.Y.0021.211210T0400Z-211210T1800Z/
West Central Plateau-West Central Mountains-
212 PM MST Thu Dec 9 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 11 AM 
MST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 3 
  inches, locally up to 5 inches in the Zuni Mountains. Winds 
  gusting as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...West Central Mountains and West Central Plateau.

* WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to 11 AM MST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on snow packed or icy road conditions. This 
  includes portions of I-40. The hazardous conditions could impact 
  the Friday morning commute.  Areas of blowing snow may reduce 
  visibility.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Precipitation will likely start as rain, but 
  will change over to snow by early Friday morning.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. For the latest road 
conditions, dial 511 or 1.800.432.4269, or visit http://nmroads.com.

&&

$$

NMZ202-203-211-213-214-100500-
/O.CON.KABQ.WW.Y.0021.000000T0000Z-211210T1800Z/
Chuska Mountains-Far Northwest Highlands-Jemez Mountains-Northern
Sangre de Cristo Mountains-Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains-
212 PM MST Thu Dec 9 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM MST 
FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Areas of blowing snow likely. Total snow 
  accumulations between 2 and 6 inches. Higher amounts between 8 and 
  10 inches possible over mountain peaks and higher west-facing 
  slopes. Winds occasionally gusting as high as 50 mph. Winds will 
  be strongest across the Sangre De Cristo Mountains Friday morning 
  and could gust as high as 60 mph.

* WHERE...Northern and Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Chuska 
  Mountains, Far Northwest Highlands, and Jemez Mountains.

* WHEN...Until 11 AM MST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will 
  likely become slick and hazardous. Travel could be very difficult, 
  especially in areas of blowing snow. Tire traction will be 
  reduced. Extend the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle 
  in front of you. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday 
  morning commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. For the latest road 
conditions, dial 511 or 1.800.432.4269, or visit http://nmroads.com.

Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while 
driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken 
on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and 
slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.

&&

$$

34
057 
WWUS45 KABQ 100450
WSWABQ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
950 PM MST Thu Dec 9 2021

NMZ210-101230-
/O.CON.KABQ.WS.W.0009.000000T0000Z-211210T1800Z/
Tusas Mountains Including Chama-
950 PM MST Thu Dec 9 2021

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

* WHAT...Heavy snow. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 8 inches 
  below 8,000 feet and between 8 and 16 inches above. Winds gusting 
  as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Tusas Mountains Including Chama.

* WHEN...Until 11 AM MST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible in the very 
  high elevations. Some roads may be closed. Significant travel 
  delays are possible.

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.

&&

$$

NMZ202-203-211-213-214-101230-
/O.CON.KABQ.WW.Y.0021.000000T0000Z-211210T1800Z/
Chuska Mountains-Far Northwest Highlands-Jemez Mountains-Northern
Sangre de Cristo Mountains-Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains-
950 PM MST Thu Dec 9 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM MST 
FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Areas of blowing snow likely. Total snow 
  accumulations between 2 and 6 inches. Higher amounts between 8 and 
  10 inches possible over mountain peaks and higher west-facing 
  slopes. Winds occasionally gusting as high as 50 mph. Winds will 
  be strongest across the Sangre De Cristo Mountains Friday morning 
  and could gust as high as 60 mph.

* WHERE...Northern and Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Chuska 
  Mountains, Far Northwest Highlands, and Jemez Mountains.

* WHEN...Until 11 AM MST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will 
  likely become slick and hazardous. Travel could be very difficult. 
  Tire traction will be reduced. Extend the distance between your 
  vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. The hazardous conditions 
  could impact the Friday morning commute. Gusty winds could bring 
  down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. For the latest road 
conditions, dial 511 or 1.800.432.4269, or visit http://nmroads.com.

Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while 
driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken 
on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and 
slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.

&&

$$

NMZ205-206-101230-
/O.CON.KABQ.WW.Y.0021.000000T0000Z-211210T1800Z/
West Central Plateau-West Central Mountains-
950 PM MST Thu Dec 9 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM MST 
FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches, 
  locally up to 5 inches in the Zuni Mountains. Winds gusting as 
  high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...West Central Mountains and West Central Plateau.

* WHEN...Until 11 AM MST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on snow packed or icy road conditions. This 
  includes portions of I-40. The hazardous conditions could impact 
  the Friday morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. For the latest road 
conditions, dial 511 or 1.800.432.4269, or visit http://nmroads.com.

&&

$$

Shoemake
769 
WWUS45 KABQ 100930
WSWABQ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
230 AM MST Fri Dec 10 2021

NMZ210-101800-
/O.CON.KABQ.WS.W.0009.000000T0000Z-211210T1800Z/
Tusas Mountains Including Chama-
230 AM MST Fri Dec 10 2021

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

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow. Total snow accumulations 
  between 4 and 8 inches below 8,000 feet and between 8 and 16 
  inches above. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Tusas Mountains Including Chama.

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

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible in the very 
  high elevations. Some roads may be closed. Significant travel 
  delays are possible.

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.

&&

$$

NMZ202-203-211-213-214-101800-
/O.CON.KABQ.WW.Y.0021.000000T0000Z-211210T1800Z/
Chuska Mountains-Far Northwest Highlands-Jemez Mountains-Northern
Sangre de Cristo Mountains-Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains-
230 AM MST Fri Dec 10 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM MST THIS 
MORNING...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Areas of blowing snow likely. Total snow 
  accumulations between 2 and 6 inches. Higher amounts between 8 and 
  10 inches possible over mountain peaks and higher west-facing 
  slopes. Winds occasionally gusting as high as 50 mph. Winds will 
  be strongest across the Sangre De Cristo Mountains Friday morning 
  and could gust as high as 60 mph.

* WHERE...Northern and Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Chuska 
  Mountains, Far Northwest Highlands, and Jemez Mountains.

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

* IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will 
  likely become slick and hazardous. Travel could be very difficult, 
  especially in areas of blowing snow. Tire traction will be 
  reduced. Extend the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle 
  in front of you. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday 
  morning commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. For the latest road 
conditions, dial 511 or 1.800.432.4269, or visit http://nmroads.com.

Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while 
driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken 
on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and 
slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.

&&

$$

NMZ205-206-101800-
/O.CON.KABQ.WW.Y.0021.000000T0000Z-211210T1800Z/
West Central Plateau-West Central Mountains-
230 AM MST Fri Dec 10 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM MST THIS 
MORNING...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches, 
  locally up to 5 inches in the Zuni Mountains. Winds gusting as 
  high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...West Central Mountains and West Central Plateau.

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

* IMPACTS...Plan on snow packed or icy road conditions. This 
  includes portions of I-40. The hazardous conditions could impact 
  the Friday morning commute.  Areas of blowing snow may reduce 
  visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. For the latest road 
conditions, dial 511 or 1.800.432.4269, or visit http://nmroads.com.

&&

$$

11
723 
WWUS45 KABQ 101741
WSWABQ

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
1041 AM MST Fri Dec 10 2021

NMZ210-101845-
/O.EXP.KABQ.WS.W.0009.000000T0000Z-211210T1800Z/
Tusas Mountains Including Chama-
1041 AM MST Fri Dec 10 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.

$$

NMZ202-203-205-206-211-213-214-101845-
/O.EXP.KABQ.WW.Y.0021.000000T0000Z-211210T1800Z/
Chuska Mountains-Far Northwest Highlands-West Central Plateau-
West Central Mountains-Jemez Mountains-Northern Sangre de Cristo
Mountains-Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains-
1041 AM MST Fri Dec 10 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY 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 Weather Advisory will be allowed to expire.

$$

34

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Dec 9, 2:24 AM MSTHigh Wind WatchABQColfax, Curry, De Baca, Guadalupe, Harding, Mora and 4 more12 hr
Dec 9, 2:34 AM MSTWinter Weather AdvisoryABQCatron, Cibola, Colfax, Los Alamos, McKinley, Mora and 7 more32 hr
Dec 9, 12:01 PM MSTWind AdvisoryABQCurry, Guadalupe, Quay, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Torrance5 hr
Dec 9, 2:01 PM MSTHigh Wind WarningABQBernalillo, Chaves, Colfax, Curry, De Baca, Guadalupe and 11 more29 hr
Dec 9, 2:01 PM MSTWind AdvisoryABQBernalillo, Chaves, Cibola, Colfax, Lincoln, McKinley and 10 more29 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.