Snowy Days Ahead

Above, Jamestown snow last December. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like New Mexico will be getting some interesting weather this weekend according to the National Weather Service.

Hopefully, the weather won't be a problem during my drive home. I am currently leaning towards going north from Ehrenberg, Arizona (through Parker and Lake Havasu) to Interstate 40.

Even though snow is forecast, the fact that Interstate 40 is a major route and will be subject to more frequent snow-plowing, I would be better off going that route than on mountain roads in eastern Arizona where snow is also forecast. But, I am keeping watch on all routes.

They have issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook:

Hazardous Weather Outlook

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Albuquerque NM
246 AM MST Wed Dec 25 2019

NMZ201>241-261100-
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-
246 AM MST Wed Dec 25 2019

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

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

Lingering rain and snow showers will continue through the afternoon
although will not be as widespread or as heavy compared to yesterday.
Any additional snow accumulations will be light with the exception
being areas in the Tusas and Chuska mountains which could pick up an
additional 2 to 4 inches.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday

Another storm system will arrive by late Thursday. This system looks
to be stronger and colder which will be more impactful for much of
the state with valley locations having a chance of snow. The area of
most concern will be areas along the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as
well as northeast NM where the heaviest snowfall is possible. The
most likely period for travel impacts will be late Thursday and into
Saturday before the system finally exits.

Stay tuned to any forecast updates as well as any watches,
advisories, and/or warnings that may be issued.

.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.