A potent storm system brought heavy snow and high winds across the state.  Snowfall started on December 6th across the San Juan Mountains.  Snow increased in coverage and intensity on the 7th, and a final blast of snow came early on the 8th as a cold front swept from west to east across New Mexico.  Many locales on the west facing slopes of the northern mountains were measuring snow in feet rather than inches.  Meanwhile, a mid level jet streak in excess of 80 knots was moving across the southwest mountains northeastward onto the plains.  The strong winds combined with the heavy snow resulted in blizzard conditions across the southwest mountains as well as portions of central New Mexico.  Wind gusts near 135 mph were measured across Magdalena Peak, which set a new record for the highest wind gust measured in the state.   Across the south central mountains and eastern plains, the high winds were a bigger concern than the snow.  Widespread surface wind gusts in excess of 60 mph were measured across this area.  Several buildings, vehicles and trees sustained damage.

High Wind in SANDIA/MANZANO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 08-DEC-09 11:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 13:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Wind gusts were estimated near 65 mph at the top of Sandia Peak. This high wind event began as a blizzard which began late on December 7th and ended at 11am on the 8th.  The peak wind gust during the blizzard event was 78 mph.

Blizzard in CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 07-DEC-09 17:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Light snow began falling the evening of the 7th, but the heavier snow came in the morning of the 8th as a strong cold front plowed from west to east.  Blizzard conditions were noted for about 4 hours as visibilities dropped near or below one quarter of a mile in blowing and drifting snow with wind gusts up to 65 mph. Two to 5 inches of snow was reported across the Central Highlands, with the heaviest amounts north of Interstate 40.

Blizzard in NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 07-DEC-09 17:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 10:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Light snow began falling the evening of the 7th, but the heavier snow came in the morning of the 8th as a strong cold front swept through the area.  Blizzard conditions developed as visibilities were significantly reduced in blowing and drifting snow with wind gusts up to 66 mph. Three to 6 inches of snow was reported across the area with locally higher amounts west of Interstate 25.

High Wind in SOUTH CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 08-DEC-09 05:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 13:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A White Sands Missile Range sensor, 35 miles southeast of San Antonio, recorded a peak wind gust of 61 mph at 515 am, and recorded multiple other gusts between 58 and 60 mph from 11 am to 1 pm.

High Wind in CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 08-DEC-09 11:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 12:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

KCQC measured extreme wind gusts constantly between 11 am and 1230 pm. The peak wind gust during this time was 62 mph. This high wind event began as a blizzard which began late on December 7th and ended at 11am on the 8th. The peak wind gust during the blizzard event was 66 mph.

Blizzard in SANDIA/MANZANO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 07-DEC-09 17:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Light snow began falling the evening of the 7th, but the heavier snow came in the morning of the 8th as a strong cold front plowed from west to east.  Blizzard conditions were noted as visibilities dropped to near zero in blowing and drifting snow with winds gusting up to 78 mph.  Up to 8 inches of snow fell across the top of the Sandia Mountains.

Blizzard in ESTANCIA VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 07-DEC-09 17:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Light snow began falling the evening of the 7th, but the heavier snow came in the morning of the 8th as a strong cold front plowed from west to east.  Blizzard conditions were noted for about 4 hours as visibilities dropped near one quarter of a mile in blowing and drifting snow with wind gusts estimated near 60 mph. Two to 4 inches of snow was reported across the Estancia Valley.

Heavy Snow in FAR NORTHWEST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 07-DEC-09 00:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Heaviest snow accumulations were reported generally above 6500 feet across the far northwest highlands.  The cooperative observer in Dulce recorded a total of 14 inches.

Heavy Snow in SANTA FE METRO AREA, NEW MEXICO
From 07-DEC-09 11:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Above 6500 feet, between 3 and 6 inches of snow was reported.  Strong winds and ice knocked down power lines resulting in power outages to approximately 4800 customers.

Heavy Snow in FAR NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 07-DEC-09 17:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

The Interstate 25 corridor between Raton and Watrous picked up 3 to 5 inches of snowfall. Strong winds also created areas of blowing and drifting snow. Southbound Interstate 25 was closed for a few hours to prevent travelers from heading farther south toward Springer, where visibilities were worse.

Heavy Snow in WEST CENTRAL PLATEAU, NEW MEXICO
From 07-DEC-09 09:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 10:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snow amounts of 2 to 6 inches were reported across the West Central Plateau.  The greatest amounts were found in McKinley County.

High Wind in EASTERN LINCOLN COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 08-DEC-09 05:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 14:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A spotter northeast of Arabela reported estimated wind gusts in excess of 60 mph for much of the morning and early afternoon hours.

High Wind in SOUTHWEST CHAVES COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 08-DEC-09 06:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 12:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

The Dunken RAWS site reported a peak wind gust of 61 mph at 709 am with other gusts to 58 mph later that morning.

Blizzard in SOUTHWEST MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 07-DEC-09 12:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 10:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Up to a foot of snow fell in blizzard conditions as winds topped out over 100 mph across the peaks of the southwest mountains.  The heaviest snowfall occurred in western Catron County near Luna, but the winds blew hard across the entire area.  The Magdalena Ridge Observatory at 10,600 feet recorded sustained winds between 80 and 120 mph with gusts to 135 mph before the instrument failed.  The wind gusts were literally picking people off their feet. Visibilities were near zero in blowing and drifting snow.

High Wind in SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 08-DEC-09 04:30:00 to 08-DEC-09 14:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 67.00 MG
Property damage: 300.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Numerous gusts over 60 mph were recorded at Sierra Blanca airport.  The peak wind gust of 78 mph was reported at 1035 am.  Between 700 am and 800 am trees were downed from the high winds.  A few trees fell on and damaged two of the ski lifts at Ski Apache and one of the buildings at Ski Apache had roof damage.  The Ski area was closed on the 8th due to the high winds and on the 9th for clean up.  In addition, a 125-foot commercial tower on Buck Mountain was toppled by the high winds, causing radio station and other commercial outages.

Heavy Snow in SOUTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS ABOVE 9500 FEET, NEW MEXICO
From 07-DEC-09 08:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Around 10 to 20 inches of snow fell across the southern Sangre De Cristo Mountains.  Snowfall reports included 20 inches at the Wesner Springs SNOTEL and 12 inches at the Santa Fe Ski area.

Heavy Snow in EAST SLOPES OF THE SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 07-DEC-09 08:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Up to one foot of snow was reported across the east slopes of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. One foot of snow was reported at Sapello, Angel Fire Ski area and 7 miles north of Mora.  In addition, the cooperative observer in Eagle Nest reported 10 inches of snow.

High Wind in EASTERN SAN MIGUEL COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 08-DEC-09 11:30:00 to 08-DEC-09 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The cooperative observer at Conchas Dam estimated winds of 60 mph, which broke 8 inch diameter tree limbs across the area.

High Wind in LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 08-DEC-09 05:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 13:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A sensor on the northern end of White Sands Missile Range, 15 miles east-southeast of San Antonio, recorded a peak wind gust of 61 mph at 1015 am.

High Wind in UPPER TULAROSA VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 08-DEC-09 06:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 13:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

The Chupadera RAWS site recorded wind gusts around 60 mph much of the morning through early afternoon.  The peak wind gust was 62 mph at 639am.  The high winds toppled trees in Spencer Park in Carrizozo and lifted at least two carport roofs from their bases. One of the carport roofs was deposited onto a fence, which was also damaged.

High Wind in ROOSEVELT COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 08-DEC-09 13:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 55.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The West Texas Mesonet sensor near Dora recorded a peak wind gust of 63 mph at both 105 and 110 pm, though severe gusts were recorded frequently for over an hour. Other severe wind gusts between 59 and 61 mph were recorded at Melrose, Elida and Portales by Schoolnet and RAWS sites.

Heavy Snow in NORTHWEST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 07-DEC-09 09:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Widespread snow amounts of 2 inches or greater coated the northwest highlands.  The greatest amounts were near Lindrith, where 8 inches of snow was reported.  The heavy snow resulted in one fatality.  Jimmy Shendo, of Jemez Pueblo, was driving a Toyota truck southbound on U.S. 550 in southeast San Juan County, when he lost control and slid into the northbound lanes.  He was struck by an oncoming vehicle at mile marker 110.  Shendo, 59, was not wearing a seatbelt and was partially ejected from the truck.

Heavy Snow in WEST CENTRAL MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 07-DEC-09 09:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Over a foot of snow fell across portions of the West Central Mountains.  The hardest hit areas were near El Morro where up to 14 inches of snow was reported.  In addition, McGaffey picked up 8 inches of new snow.

Heavy Snow in SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 06-DEC-09 16:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The San Juan Mountains were the hardest hit area from this winter storm - particularly the west slopes. Widespread amounts of 10 to 20 inches were common, however, there were a few locales that received more.  Over 2 feet of snow was recorded at the Hopewell SNOTEL site, while almost 2 feet of snow was recorded at the Chamita SNOTEL.  The cooperative observer in Chama measured a total of 17.5 inches for the event.

High Wind in SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 08-DEC-09 06:55:00 to 08-DEC-09 08:35:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 46.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

The KSRR AWOS measured sustained winds above 40 mph for over an hour and a half.  The peak sustained wind speed was 53 mph.

High Wind in ESTANCIA VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 08-DEC-09 11:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 12:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Wind gusts were estimated near 60 mph. This high wind event began as a blizzard which began late on December 7th and ended at 11am on the 8th.

Heavy Snow in JEMEZ MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 07-DEC-09 00:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Over a foot of snow was reported across the Jemez Mountains, including 12.5 inches northwest of La Cueva and around 22 inches at Pajarito Ski Area. Strong winds around Los Alamos resulted in downed power lines in the North Mesa and Barranca Mesa areas.

Heavy Snow in WEST SLOPES OF THE SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 07-DEC-09 08:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

In general, 8 to 16 inches of snow fell across the west slopes of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains.  Some reported amounts include 14 inches in Tererro and around 8 inches at Sipapu Ski Area.  The heavy snow resulted in one death in the Santa Fe Foothills.  Gail Patterson, a 57-year old woman from Dallas, TX was trying to flag down an oncoming vehicle after her own vehicle slid off Atalaya Hill Road, a narrow, steep grade road, into a drainage ditch.  The vehicle she was trying to flag down started to slide down the icy road, struck and killed her.

Heavy Snow in NORTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS ABOVE 9500 FEET/RED RIVER, NEW MEXICO
From 07-DEC-09 08:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Around 20 inches of snow fell at both Red River Ski Area and Taos Ski Valley.

Heavy Snow in UPPER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 07-DEC-09 02:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Up to 18 inches of snow was reported around Tres Piedras.  The heaviest accumulations were above 7500 feet, however, lower elevations still received 3 to 6 inches of snow.

Heavy Snow in LOWER CHAMA RIVER VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 07-DEC-09 11:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Much of the Lower Chama River Valley received between 2 and 6 inches of snowfall.  The heaviest accumulations fell northeast of Youngsville, between the Jemez and San Juan Mountains.

High Wind in CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 08-DEC-09 11:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 12:45:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 40.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The KCQC measured sustained winds over 40 mph constantly between 11 am and 1245 pm.  The sustained winds peaked at 46 mph. This high wind event began as a blizzard which began late on December 7th and ended at 11am on the 8th.

High Wind in CURRY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 08-DEC-09 12:30:00 to 08-DEC-09 15:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 57.00 MG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

The Clovis AWOS recorded a peak wind gust of 66 mph at 135 pm.  In addition, the KCVS ASOS recorded a peak wind gust of 60 mph and a Schoolnet site north of Clovis recorded a 62 mph wind gust. The strong wind toppled power lines and a power pole fell on the old Pizza Hut building on West Seventh Street.  Other damage included roof coverings from two garages blown off and a storage barn wall was blown down.

High Wind in QUAY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 08-DEC-09 12:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Two KVII Amarillo Schoolnet sites recorded peak wind gusts over 60 mph.  The Schoolnet site at Frost Ranch, approximately 9 miles east-northeast of Wheatland, recorded a 65 mph gust, while the Logan Schoolnet site recorded a 62 mph gust.   In addition, the Tucumcari ASOS measured a 62 mph wind gust.

High Wind in CHAVES COUNTY PLAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 08-DEC-09 10:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 14:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 150.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The Roswell ASOS recorded a peak wind gust of 61 mph at 1149 am, however, the strong winds affected the entire area. Not only were 4 power poles broken in Roswell and numerous power lines down, a semi-truck trailer was blown over while parked on the north side of Roswell.  The truck was blown into a utility box containing a 12,000 Volt power line. In addition, a roof was torn off an equipment shed approximately 16 miles west of Roswell.

High Wind in DE BACA COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 08-DEC-09 12:00:00 to 08-DEC-09 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 58.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A peak wind gust of 67 mph was recorded at Lake Sumner Village between 120 and 130 pm.

High Wind in GUADALUPE COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 08-DEC-09 11:30:00 to 08-DEC-09 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Wind gusts near 60 mph were estimated across the county.

High Wind in HARDING COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 08-DEC-09 13:30:00 to 08-DEC-09 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

The Mills Canyon RAWS site recorded a peak wind gust of 59 mph at 205 pm.