Snow blanketed much of northern and western New Mexico over a 2 day period in late October. A slow moving storm system dove south across Utah and Arizona before slowing down and moving east across the Land of Enchantment. Precipitation initially began as rain but quickly changed to snow as a strong cold front swiftly moved from northwest to southeast across the state on the 28th. After the front moved though, high temperatures were on average 20 to 30 degrees below normal. As the upper low traversed northern New Mexico, wrap-around precipitation resulted in a second round of snow accumulations.

Heavy Snow in RATON RIDGE/JOHNSON MESA, NEW MEXICO
From 28-OCT-09 11:00:00 to 29-OCT-09 10:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Highest snowfall accumulations were near the Colorado border, including 8 inches at the Raton Port of Entry.

Heavy Snow in NORTHWEST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 28-OCT-09 00:00:00 to 29-OCT-09 05:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Up to 6 inches of snowfall was reported around Crownpoint.

Heavy Snow in NORTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS ABOVE 9500 FEET/RED RIVER, NEW MEXICO
From 28-OCT-09 04:00:00 to 29-OCT-09 12:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Over a foot of snow was reported at both Taos Ski Valley and Red River Ski Area.

Heavy Snow in SOUTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS ABOVE 9500 FEET, NEW MEXICO
From 28-OCT-09 04:00:00 to 29-OCT-09 12:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Over 8 inches of snow was reported at Ski Santa Fe.

Heavy Snow in EAST SLOPES OF THE SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 28-OCT-09 13:00:00 to 29-OCT-09 12:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Widespread snowfall amounts of 2 to 6 inches were reported across the east slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, though higher amounts were reported above 9000 feet. Over a foot of snow was reported at the Angel Fire Ski Resort.

Heavy Snow in UPPER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 28-OCT-09 04:00:00 to 29-OCT-09 10:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Up to 6 inches of snow was reported near and north of Tres Piedras.

Heavy Snow in SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 28-OCT-09 15:00:00 to 29-OCT-09 08:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Widespread snow amounts of 2 to 6 inches were reported across the lower elevations of the south central mountains. However, more than a foot of snow was reported across the higher elevations, including the Sierra Blanca SNOTEL and Apachi Ski Area.

Heavy Snow in WEST CENTRAL PLATEAU, NEW MEXICO
From 28-OCT-09 00:00:00 to 29-OCT-09 05:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Three to 5.5 inches of snow was reported around the Gallup area.

Heavy Snow in FAR NORTHWEST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 28-OCT-09 01:00:00 to 29-OCT-09 09:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Highest snow accumulations were found near the Colorado border just north of La Plata and Cedar Hill.  Up to 10.5 inches of snow was reported.

Heavy Snow in NORTHWEST PLATEAU, NEW MEXICO
From 28-OCT-09 00:00:00 to 29-OCT-09 05:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Multiple snowfall reports of 2 to 6 inches were received across the Northwest Plateau. Around 5 inches of snow fell in the Farmington area, while up to 7 inches of snow was reported approximately 10 miles north of Farmington.

Heavy Snow in WEST SLOPES OF THE SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 28-OCT-09 04:00:00 to 29-OCT-09 10:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Just over 8 inches of snow was reported across portions of the west slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, including at the Sipapu Ski Area.