Winter Storm in New Mexico, January 5 to 6, 1997

A winter storm produced widespread heavy snow and icy roads across much of New Mexico. Icy roads were the direct cause of numerous auto mishaps as many drivers failed to reduce speed in the early hours of the storm as road conditions deteriorated very quickly. At least two fatal accidents were directly related to the weather, with weather an indirect cause of a third fatal crash. A car spun while in snow south of Carrizozo and collided with a school bus killing a 27 year old passenger. A passenger was also killed near Tucumcari when a van slid off the road in a snow storm and overturned several times. A 30 year old woman and her 3 year old son were also killed when their automobile crashed into the rear a semi-truck stopped at the end of traffic tie-up about 15 miles west of Grants. The interstate had been closed 3 miles ahead to clear other accidents. Roads were snow packed and icy. Weather and visibility at the site were unknown. Snow totals in many areas averaged 7 inches with amounts of 10 to 19 inches reported on the Highlands between Edgewood and Santa Rosa and south to Carrizozo. Amounts of 14 inches were also recorded near Zuni and Pietown in west central sections of the state. Many rural roads remained snow clogged for several days and large sections of the interstate highways leading to Albuquerque in all directions were closed overnight until late on the 6th.