A fast moving upper level disturbance passing southward along the Rocky Mountains brought a potent cold front that surged south through eastern NM. High winds and light to moderate snow accompanied this storm system.
Every event with a place to put it; 6 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.
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.
The episode as NWS ABQ wrote it up.
A fast moving upper level disturbance passing southward along the Rocky Mountains brought a potent cold front that surged south through eastern NM. High winds and light to moderate snow accompanied this storm system. High wind gusts greater than 60 mph were observed at Raton and through portions of Union County. The combination of strong winds and blowing snow also caused several road closures and crashes along U.S. Highway 64 from Raton to Clayton, and along I-40 in the Central Highlands. An isolated snowfall accumulation of 5 inches in DeBaca County were reported as well.
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 Feb 9, 3:22 AM MST, 38 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Albuquerque NM 322 AM MST Thu Feb 9 2023 ...New SYNOPSIS, SHORT TERM, LONG TERM, FIRE WEATHER... .SYNOPSIS... Issued at 146 AM MST Thu Feb 9 2023 Changes are quickly arriving for the region over the next few hours as a deepening storm system moves south from Colorado. It will provide a blast of colder air, gusty north and northwest winds, and snow for Raton Pass, the Sangre de Cristo mountains, and north and east central plains. 3 to 5 inches of snow with lowering visibilities is expected during the morning hours across Raton Pass, so for that reason have issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the region. The system quickly moves southeast early Friday with a warming trend expected thereafter. The next storm system arrives late Sunday into early Monday with higher elevation snow and valley rain anticipated areawide. The system moves east into Texas early Tuesday with a brief break and mild temperatures expected before a stronger and much colder storm arrives late Tuesday from the Pacific northwest. There is fairly good agreement for snow chances and well below normal temperatures from this system come mid to late next week. && .SHORT TERM... (Today through Friday) Issued at 146 AM MST Thu Feb 9 2023 The incoming and quick hitting storm system appears to be taking a slightly farther west track as well as having potential for more widespread but still generally light snowfall amounts. Strong northwest to north winds have already arrived over northwest New Mexico with gusts to around 45 mph. Similar wind gusts will push through the west and central this morning, but the peak speeds are anticipated to persist for generally a one to two hour period coinciding with the frontal passage, then diminish. Therefore have opted for not including any of the western and central zones in a Wind Advisory although for the period of peak winds, some areas could hit the criteria. In northeast New Mexico, converted the Wind Advisory to a Winter Weather Advisory for the Raton Pass area as forecast snowfall has increased. Was on the fence for converting Union county as only light amounts of snow combined with north winds gusting to around 50 mph could impact travel on highways such as US 64/87 but decided to stay with the previously issued Wind Advisory and added Harding county as well as the Far Northeast Highlands. Also models are hinting at one to 2 inches or so along I-40 from the Clines Corners to Tucumcari area this afternoon so will have to watch trends there. Elsewhere brief light snowfall is possible with the frontal passage especially along the Continental Divide and northwest mountains but little to no accumulations are expected. The Sangre de Cristo mountains may see 1-3 inches. Highs today and lows tonight will be 10-20 degrees below normal. Winds and snow taper off this evening but apparent temperatures (wind chill) may range from 20 to 30 degrees below zero over portions of the northern mountains with single digits for most of the rest of the forecast area. Dry and 5-10 degrees warmer Friday but still 5-15 degrees colder than normal. && .LONG TERM... (Friday night through Wednesday) Issued at 146 AM MST Thu Feb 9 2023 Temperatures Friday night will not be as cold compared to the prior night as the axis of an upper level ridge moves overhead. Lows will be around 5 to 10 degrees below average. High level cloud cover will approach central and western areas come sunrise Saturday morning, as upper level flow backs to southwest ahead of a deepening upper level low along the California coastline. With this, temperatures will be warmer by about 7 to 15 degrees west of the central mountain chain and 15 to 20 degrees on Saturday. Some breezy conditions are expected across the northeast plains due to the development of a surface lee low. Temperatures Saturday night will be about 5 to 10 degrees above average thanks to the WAA and cloud cover ahead of the upper low. The warmup continues into Sunday with temperatures in the 50s to low 60s to near 70 at Roswell under a mix of sun and clouds. A few degrees of cooling is possible across the northeast plains as a backdoor front tries to sneak in from a northern stream trough across the northern Great Plains. Meanwhile, the upper low is expected to move across the US/Mexico border along California and Arizona during the day Sunday, with precipitation beginning across western New Mexico as soon as Sunday evening. Temperatures will be around average Sunday night as the upper low moves in the state, with the aforementioned backdoor cold front surging southeast through the eastern plains come Monday morning. Valley locations could see some snow early on Monday before quickly changing over to rain as snow levels rise to 7000 to 8000 feet. Precipitation chances are favored areawide as the low tracks across the state with moist upslope easterly veering to southeasterly flow throughout the day across the eastern plains. The low exits into the Texas panhandle early Tuesday with drier northwesterly flow, clearing skies, and mild temperatures expected. Northwest winds could be pretty gusty across the central highlands and eastern plains due to the tight pressure gradient behind the storm system. The break on Tuesday won't last long though as a very cold upper level trough from the Gulf of Alaska dives south across the Pacific northwest and Great Basin eventually deepening to a 530 mb upper level low @ 500mb come Tuesday night. 500 mb temperatures in the low are as low as -30 to -35 deg C with 700 mb temps below -10 deg C (very close to record values), so snow will be the precip type. Deterministic and ensemble models are in remarkably good agreement regarding the track and timing of this upper low, with it entering northwest New Mexico Wednesday morning and precipitation spreading across the region during the day Wednesday. Temperatures are expected to well below average into late next week thanks to the upper low. && .AVIATION... (06Z TAFS) Issued at 1038 PM MST Wed Feb 8 2023 Latest model trends have increased the coverage of MVFR low cigs with snow across eastern NM Thursday. A potent cold front is still on target to surge southward thru the region before sunrise with wind gusts peaking in the 14Z to 20Z timeframe. Many areas will see peak gusts of 30 to 40 kt. Snow will spread south from the CO border along the east slopes of the central mt chain and I-40 corridor Thursday morning. Lcl IFR is possible at times around KLVS and KTCC as a band of more persistent moderate snow and blowing snow shifts south. Very light snow may continue along the east slopes of the central mt chain for a couple hours aft sunset with additional MVFR cigs. The rest of central and western NM will see clear skies thru most of this event with mostly wind impacts. && .FIRE WEATHER... Issued at 146 AM MST Thu Feb 9 2023 An active weather pattern will continue into next week. Well below normal temperatures today into Friday will warm to near to above average Saturday. Strong northwest to north winds today will diminish by this evening. Some elevated fire weather conditions remain possible over northeast and east central New Mexico Saturday afternoon. Light amounts of snow are possible today over the northern mountains and into northeast and east central New Mexico. Friday through Sunday will be dry. Another storm system expected Sunday night through Monday night with a second system Tuesday night through Wednesday night to bring much colder air to the region. Mostly good to excellent ventilation today. Widespread poor rates Friday through Sunday with improvement Monday through Wednesday. && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Farmington...................... 39 13 41 17 / 0 0 0 0 Dulce........................... 36 0 39 8 / 10 0 0 0 Cuba............................ 32 5 39 16 / 10 0 0 0 Gallup.......................... 36 3 45 11 / 0 0 0 0 El Morro........................ 34 5 43 20 / 0 0 0 0 Grants.......................... 37 1 44 9 / 5 0 0 0 Quemado......................... 39 9 48 22 / 0 0 0 0 Magdalena....................... 37 15 42 21 / 0 0 0 0 Datil........................... 36 11 43 20 / 0 0 0 0 Reserve......................... 45 11 54 18 / 0 0 0 0 Glenwood........................ 49 19 54 29 / 0 0 0 0 Chama........................... 28 -6 38 14 / 10 5 0 0 Los Alamos...................... 30 13 39 21 / 20 5 0 0 Pecos........................... 32 9 42 22 / 40 20 0 0 Cerro/Questa.................... 30 -2 37 22 / 50 5 0 0 Red River....................... 23 -9 35 15 / 70 10 0 0 Angel Fire...................... 24 -15 34 -4 / 70 20 0 0 Taos............................ 30 0 37 12 / 40 5 0 0 Mora............................ 30 6 43 20 / 60 10 0 0 Espanola........................ 37 5 42 19 / 30 5 0 0 Santa Fe........................ 34 7 39 18 / 30 10 0 0 Santa Fe Airport................ 36 9 41 16 / 20 5 0 0 Albuquerque Foothills........... 38 16 42 27 / 10 5 0 0 Albuquerque Heights............. 40 18 44 23 / 5 0 0 0 Albuquerque Valley.............. 42 11 45 20 / 5 0 0 0 Albuquerque West Mesa........... 40 18 43 22 / 5 0 0 0 Belen........................... 45 16 45 15 / 0 0 0 0 Bernalillo...................... 41 15 44 22 / 5 5 0 0 Bosque Farms.................... 44 12 45 15 / 5 0 0 0 Corrales........................ 41 16 44 22 / 5 0 0 0 Los Lunas....................... 44 14 45 17 / 0 0 0 0 Placitas........................ 36 13 41 24 / 10 5 0 0 Rio Rancho...................... 40 17 44 22 / 5 0 0 0 Socorro......................... 47 19 47 20 / 0 0 0 0 Sandia Park/Cedar Crest......... 33 13 38 23 / 20 5 0 0 Tijeras......................... 35 15 40 23 / 20 5 0 0 Edgewood........................ 34 10 41 17 / 30 5 0 0 Moriarty/Estancia............... 34 3 42 12 / 30 5 0 0 Clines Corners.................. 28 6 37 17 / 40 10 0 0 Mountainair..................... 34 12 41 18 / 20 5 0 0 Gran Quivira.................... 36 14 42 19 / 10 5 0 0 Carrizozo....................... 41 17 45 22 / 10 0 0 0 Ruidoso......................... 33 13 41 22 / 10 5 0 0 Capulin......................... 27 6 40 19 / 70 5 0 0 Raton........................... 31 1 41 11 / 60 5 0 0 Springer........................ 31 3 42 13 / 50 5 0 0 Las Vegas....................... 29 4 41 18 / 50 10 0 0 Clayton......................... 34 12 43 22 / 50 5 0 0 Roy............................. 33 10 41 17 / 50 0 0 0 Conchas......................... 37 12 43 19 / 50 5 0 0 Santa Rosa...................... 38 13 43 21 / 50 10 0 0 Tucumcari....................... 39 14 46 19 / 50 10 0 0 Clovis.......................... 40 17 43 21 / 50 10 0 0 Portales........................ 41 18 45 20 / 50 10 0 0 Fort Sumner..................... 41 17 46 18 / 50 10 0 0 Roswell......................... 49 20 49 17 / 20 10 0 0 Picacho......................... 43 18 47 22 / 20 10 0 0 Elk............................. 43 15 46 21 / 10 5 0 0 && .ABQ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Wind Advisory from 7 AM this morning to 6 PM MST this evening for NMZ228-230-231. Winter Weather Advisory from 4 AM this morning to 6 PM MST this evening for NMZ227. && SHORT TERM...99 LONG TERM....71 AVIATION...42
Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Albuquerque NM 249 AM MST Thu Feb 9 2023 NMZ201>241-092200- Northwest Plateau-Chuska Mountains-Far Northwest Highlands- Northwest Highlands-West Central Plateau-West Central Mountains- West Central Highlands-Southwest Mountains- San Francisco River Valley-Tusas Mountains Including Chama- Jemez Mountains-Glorieta Mesa Including Glorieta Pass- Northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains- Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains- East Slopes Sangre de Cristo Mountains-Upper Rio Grande Valley- Espanola Valley-Santa Fe Metro Area- Middle Rio Grande Valley/Albuquerque Metro Area- Lower Rio Grande Valley- Sandia/Manzano Mountains Including Edgewood-Estancia Valley- Central Highlands-South Central Highlands-Upper Tularosa Valley- South Central Mountains- Johnson and Bartlett Mesas Including Raton Pass- 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-San Agustin Plains and Adjacent Lowlands- 249 AM MST Thu Feb 9 2023 ...BLUSTERY AND TURNING MUCH COLDER OVER NORTHERN AND CENTRAL NEW MEXICO TODAY WITH LIGHT SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW OVER THE NORTHEAST AND EAST CENTRAL... A quick hitting storm system and associated cold front will sweep through northern and central New Mexico today, leaving much colder air in it's wake. Strong northwest to north winds have already arrived over northwest New Mexico with gusts to around 45 mph. Similar wind gusts will push through the west and central this morning, but the peak speeds are anticipated to persist for generally a one to two hour period coinciding with the frontal passage, then diminish. At the same time, brief light snowfall is possible, especially along the Continental Divide and northwest mountains but little to no accumulations are expected. In northeast and east central New Mexico, north winds gusting to around 50 mph will be most likely from Raton Pass to Clayton and Tucumcari. Snow and areas of reduced visibilities in blowing snow are expected to develop, impacting the Raton Pass area. Light snow and blowing snow may also affect the remainder of the northeast and east central, including portions of I-25 and I-40. Amounts of around 2 inches are possible along the I-40 corridor from near Clines Corners to Tucumcari by late this afternoon. The Sangre de Cristo mountains may see one to 3 inches. Wind and snow will taper off rapidly this evening as the storm system exits the state. Lows tonight will be 10 to 20 degrees colder than normal. Wind chill temperatures could be as cold as 25 to 30 degrees below zero in the northern mountains producing a high risk for frostbite and hypothermia to anyone outdoors. Single digit wind chills are possible over much of the east and far west as well as the Santa Fe area. For the latest New Mexico road conditions call 511 or visit nmroads.com. Stay tuned to the latest weather forecast and statements regarding this fast moving storm at weather.gov/abq or through your preferred media outlet.
The national radar mosaic for the moment the first event began.
3 winter storm, 2 high wind, 1 winter weather. Local standard time, as filed.
U.S. Highway 64 closed due to near whiteout conditions causing blowing snow and low visibility all along the highway between Raton and Clayton.
U.S. Highway 64 closed due to near whiteout conditions causing blowing snow and low visibility all along the highway between Raton and Clayton.
U.S. Highway 64 closed due to near whiteout conditions causing blowing snow and low visibility all along the highway between Raton and Clayton.
I-40 closed due to a jackknifed semi that crashed from low visibility caused by blowing snow. No reports of injuries were available.
A mesonet station southwest of Clayton measured a peak wind gust of 65 mph, with a few other gusts topping 60 mph during this timeframe.
The Raton Municipal Airport ASOS measured a wind gust of 61 mph.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in New Mexico in 2023Every state in 2023This day in weather historyWarnings in New Mexico, February 2023
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 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1068985, 1068987, 1068988, 1068981, 1068990, 1068989.