Heavy Snow in New Mexico, December 31, 2018

Name: Heavy Snow in New Mexico, December 31, 2018
Start: 2018-12-31T04:00
End: 2018-12-31T23:59
Location: New Mexico

December 31, 2018 · NWS ABQ · 26 events in 26 counties and zones

The toll

Deaths: 1
Injuries: 2
Property damage: None recorded
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 26

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS ABQ wrote it up.

A third winter storm in a series hammered much of New Mexico during the New Year's holiday with widespread snowfall, bitterly cold temperatures, and major travel impacts. Very cold air was already in place across the state behind the second storm that exited the area after Christmas. Another potent upper level gathered strength over the Four Corners region on New Year's Eve and moved slowly south and east into western New Mexico through New Year's Day. Widespread snowfall developed over northern and western New Mexico on New Year's Eve with significant travel impacts reported during evening holiday festivities. Gap winds on the east side of the Albuquerque metro area limited snowfall until winds subsided on New Years morning. The heaviest snow fell across the northern mountains where 12 to 18 inches was reported. The Jemez Mountains picked up 36 inches just west of Los Alamos. Bitterly cold air in place over the region with snow and blowing snow resulted in major travel problems with several road closures. Fatal accidents were reported on U.S. 550 and Interstate 40 in the Albuquerque area along with roughly 66 injury accidents in the city. Frigid temperatures resulted in damage to 40 schools in the Albuquerque area of which 25 experienced serious flood damage. Low temperatures on the day after New Years were the coldest since 2013 with many areas reporting readings below zero.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Albuquerque, NM wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Dec 31, 2:59 AM MST, 1 hour 1 minute earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Dec 31, 2:59 AM MST, 1 hour 1 minute before

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Hazardous weather outlook, Dec 31, 3:11 AM MST, 49 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
311 AM MST Mon Dec 31 2018

NMZ501>540-011130-
Northwest Plateau-Chuska Mountains-Far Northwest Highlands-
Northwest Highlands-West Central Plateau-West Central Mountains-
West Central Highlands-Southwest Mountains-
San Francisco River Valley-San Juan Mountains-Jemez Mountains-
West Slopes Sangre de Cristo Mountains-
Northern Sangre de Cristos above 9500 feet/Red River-
Southern Sangre de Cristos above 9500 feet-
East Slopes Sangre de Cristo Mountains-Upper Rio Grande Valley-
Lower Chama River Valley-Santa Fe Metro Area-
Middle Rio Grande Valley/Albuquerque Metro Area-
Lower Rio Grande Valley-Sandia/Manzano Mountains-Estancia Valley-
Central Highlands-South Central Highlands-Upper Tularosa Valley-
South Central Mountains-Raton Ridge/Johnson Mesa-
Far Northeast Highlands-Northeast Highlands-Union County-
Harding County-Eastern San Miguel County-Guadalupe County-
Quay County-Curry County-Roosevelt County-De Baca County-
Chaves County Plains-Eastern Lincoln County-Southwest Chaves County-
311 AM MST Mon Dec 31 2018

This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of north and central
New Mexico.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

Another significant winter storm will target New Mexico today through
New Year's Day with bitterly cold temperatures, snow, wind, blowing
snow, freezing fog, low visibility, and major travel impacts. This
storm will likely focus the higher snowfall amounts over northern and
western New Mexico, as well as the high plains of eastern New
Mexico. The Albuquerque metro area also has potential to pick up
accumulating snowfall, however strong east winds will likely limit
amounts significantly in some areas. The coldest temperatures since
2013 are expected across the area from New Year's Day through
Thursday morning. Bitter cold will also increase the potential for
frozen and burst water pipes, especially in vacant buildings during
the holiday period.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday
Bitter cold overnight lows Thursday and Friday mornings will once
again increase the potential for frozen and burst water pipes.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters are encouraged to report snowfall amounts through the
National Weather Service Albuquerque web site at weather.gov/abq
or by calling 1.888.386.7637.

33

Event by event

26 heavy snow. Local standard time, as filed.

Heavy Snow, Northwest Plateau

When: December 31, 4:00 AM MST to 11:59 PM MST
Where: Northwest Plateau forecast zone
Reported by: Newspaper

Snowfall amounts averaged around eight inches in the Farmington region. Severe travel conditions due to snow, low visibility, and frigid temperatures were reported across much of the area. At least three motor vehicle accidents were reported around Farmington but fortunately no injuries were reported. The city of Farmington extended shelter hours to assist those in need during the bitterly cold temperatures.

Heavy Snow, Chuska Mountains

When: December 31, 4:00 AM MST to 11:59 PM MST
Where: Chuska Mountains forecast zone
Reported by: SNOTEL

Up to 11 inches of snow was reported at the Navajo Whiskey Creek SNOTEL.

Heavy Snow, Far Northwest Highlands

When: December 31, 4:00 AM MST to 11:59 PM MST
Where: Far Northwest Highlands forecast zone
Reported by: Social Media

Snowfall amounts ranged from six to 11 inches from La Plata eastward to Navajo Lake and Dulce. Severe travel conditions due to snow, low visibility, and frigid temperatures were reported across much of the area.

Heavy Snow, Northwest Highlands

When: December 31, 4:00 AM MST to 11:59 PM MST
Where: Northwest Highlands forecast zone
Deaths: 0 direct, 1 indirect
Injuries: 0 direct, 2 indirect
Reported by: COOP Observer

Snowfall amounts ranged from three to nine inches along the Continental Divide region of U.S. Highway 550. Severe travel conditions due to snow, low visibility, and frigid temperatures were reported across much of the area. 12-year old Alexander Steven Madsen was killed when two vehicles collided on icy roads along U.S. Highway 550 near Cuba.

Heavy Snow, San Juan Mountains

When: December 31, 4:00 AM MST to 11:59 PM MST
Where: San Juan Mountains forecast zone
Reported by: COOP Observer

Snowfall amounts ranged from six to 12 inches from Chama to Tierra Amarilla and Canjilon. Severe travel conditions due to snow, low visibility, and frigid temperatures were reported across much of the area.

Heavy Snow, Jemez Mountains

When: December 31, 7:00 AM MST to 11:59 PM MST
Where: Jemez Mountains forecast zone
Reported by: Public

Snowfall amounts ranged from six to 14 inches over the south and west facing slopes of the Jemez Mountains with up to 36 inches at the Pajarito ski area. The community of Los Alamos was buried by around two feet of snow and it took residents several days to dig out. Severe travel conditions due to snow, low visibility, and frigid temperatures were reported across much of the area. NM-4 was closed during this event. Parts of the high terrain were still experiencing severe travel conditions a week after the storm.

Heavy Snow, West Central Plateau

When: December 31, 8:00 AM MST to 11:59 PM MST
Where: West Central Plateau forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snowfall amounts ranged from six to 10 inches from Gallup to Zuni Pueblo and Fence Lake. Difficult to severe travel conditions due to snow, low visibility, and frigid temperatures were reported across much of the area.

Heavy Snow, West Central Mountains

When: December 31, 8:00 AM MST to 11:59 PM MST
Where: West Central Mountains forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snowfall amounts ranged from five to 10 inches along the Continental Divide region of Interstate 40. Difficult to severe travel conditions due to snow, low visibility, and frigid temperatures were reported across much of the area.

Heavy Snow, West Slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains

When: December 31, 8:00 AM MST to 11:59 PM MST
Where: West Slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains forecast zone
Reported by: Public

Snowfall amounts ranged from six to 12 inches along the west slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Difficult to severe travel conditions due to snow, low visibility, and frigid temperatures were reported across much of the area.

Heavy Snow, West Central Highlands

When: December 31, 9:00 AM MST to 11:59 PM MST
Where: West Central Highlands forecast zone
Reported by: Public

Snowfall amounts averaged around eight inches from Grants to Cubero. Difficult to severe travel conditions due to snow, low visibility, and frigid temperatures were reported across much of the area.

Heavy Snow, Southwest Mountains

When: December 31, 10:00 AM MST to 11:59 PM MST
Where: Southwest Mountains forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snowfall amounts ranged from eight to 13 inches from Luna to Pietown and Datil. Difficult to severe travel conditions due to snow, low visibility, and frigid temperatures were reported across much of the area.

Heavy Snow, Northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains Above 9500 Feet/Red River

When: December 31, 10:00 AM MST to 11:59 PM MST
Where: Northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains Above 9500 Feet/Red River forecast zone
Reported by: Public

Snowfall amounts ranged from six to 12 inches in the Red River area. Difficult to severe travel conditions due to snow, low visibility, and frigid temperatures were reported.

Heavy Snow, Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains Above 9500 Feet

When: December 31, 10:00 AM MST to 11:59 PM MST
Where: Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains Above 9500 Feet forecast zone
Reported by: Public

Snowfall amounts ranged from six to 10 inches in the high terrain east of Santa Fe. Difficult to severe travel conditions due to snow, low visibility, and frigid temperatures were reported.

Heavy Snow, East Slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains

When: December 31, 10:00 AM MST to 11:59 PM MST
Where: East Slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains forecast zone
Reported by: Social Media

Snowfall amounts ranged from 10 to 21 inches along the east slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Severe travel conditions due to snow, low visibility, and frigid temperatures were reported across much of the area.

Heavy Snow, Upper Rio Grande Valley

When: December 31, 10:00 AM MST to 11:59 PM MST
Where: Upper Rio Grande Valley forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snowfall amounts ranged from five to 11 inches in the Taos area. Difficult to severe travel conditions due to snow, low visibility, and frigid temperatures were reported.

Heavy Snow, Far Northeast Highlands

When: December 31, 10:00 AM MST to 11:59 PM MST
Where: Far Northeast Highlands forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways

Snowfall amounts ranged from four to nine inches along the Interstate 25 corridor from Raton to Wagon Mound. Severe travel conditions due to snow, blowing snow, low visibility, and frigid temperatures were reported across much of the area.

Heavy Snow, Northeast Highlands

When: December 31, 10:00 AM MST to 11:59 PM MST
Where: Northeast Highlands forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways

Snowfall amounts up to 15 inches were reported around Las Vegas. Severe travel conditions due to snow, blowing snow, low visibility, and frigid temperatures were reported.

Heavy Snow, Eastern San Miguel County

When: December 31, 10:00 AM MST to 11:59 PM MST
Where: Eastern San Miguel County forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways

Snowfall amounts ranged from four to six inches in eastern San Miguel County. Severe travel conditions and road closures due to snow, blowing snow, low visibility, and frigid temperatures were reported.

Heavy Snow, Lower Chama River Valley

When: December 31, 12:00 PM MST to 11:59 PM MST
Where: Lower Chama River Valley forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snowfall amounts ranged from two to seven inches from Espanola to Alcalde. Difficult to severe travel conditions due to snow, low visibility, and frigid temperatures were reported.

Heavy Snow, Santa Fe Metro Area

When: December 31, 12:00 PM MST to 11:59 PM MST
Where: Santa Fe Metro Area forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snowfall amounts ranged from two to nine inches around Santa Fe. Severe travel conditions due to snow, blowing snow, low visibility, and frigid temperatures were reported.

Heavy Snow, Central Highlands

When: December 31, 12:00 PM MST to 11:59 PM MST
Where: Central Highlands forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways

Snowfall amounts ranged from three to six inches. Severe travel conditions due to snow, blowing snow, low visibility, and frigid temperatures were reported. Interstate 40 was closed for several hours.

Heavy Snow, Albuquerque Metro Area

When: December 31, 1:00 PM MST to 11:59 PM MST
Where: Albuquerque Metro Area forecast zone
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Snowfall amounts ranged from two to seven inches around the Albuquerque Metro Area. Difficult travel conditions due to snow, blowing snow, low visibility, and frigid temperatures were reported. Numerous accidents were reported across the metro area.

Heavy Snow, Sandia/Manzano Mountains

When: December 31, 1:00 PM MST to 11:59 PM MST
Where: Sandia/Manzano Mountains forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snowfall amounts ranged from four to 14 inches over the Sandia and Manzano mountains. The heaviest amounts were reported around Sedillo. Severe travel conditions due to snow, blowing snow, low visibility, and frigid temperatures were reported. Numerous accidents were reported and Interstate 40 was closed for several hours.

Heavy Snow, Estancia Valley

When: December 31, 1:00 PM MST to 11:59 PM MST
Where: Estancia Valley forecast zone
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snowfall amounts ranged from four to seven inches within the Estancia Valley. Severe travel conditions due to snow, blowing snow, low visibility, and frigid temperatures were reported. Numerous accidents were reported and Interstate 40 was closed for several hours.

Heavy Snow, Guadalupe County

When: December 31, 2:00 PM MST to 11:59 PM MST
Where: Guadalupe County forecast zone
Reported by: Department of Highways

A sharp gradient in snowfall amounts and impacts occurred across Guadalupe County. Severe travel conditions and road closures due to snow, blowing snow, low visibility, and frigid temperatures were reported over the western half of the county.

Heavy Snow, San Francisco River Valley

When: December 31, 4:00 PM MST to 11:59 PM MST
Where: San Francisco River Valley forecast zone
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snowfall amounts ranged from five to 10 inches on the higher slopes of the San Francisco River Valley. Temperatures were warm enough for most of this event to allow snow to melt on roadways and limit travel impacts.

The people who died

As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.

Event	Date	Age	Sex	Where	Kind
Heavy Snow, Northwest Highlands	2018-12-31	12	Male	Vehicle/Towed Trailer	Indirect

What these are

Heavy Snow: Snowfall reaching the local warning threshold without the other hazards of a winter storm.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in New Mexico in 2018 Every state in 2018 This day in weather history Warnings in New Mexico, December 2018

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-10-01. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 791874, 792050, 792059, 792067, 792182, 792184, 792072, 792074, 792191, 792171, 792174, 792196, 792198, 792200, 792681, 792700, 792702, 792704, 792684, 792686, 792695, 792689, 792691, 792693, 792706, 792179.