As a storm system approached New Mexico on the 3rd, the mid level gradient and surface pressure gradient increased sharply, leading to high, damaging winds.  These strong winds fueled a new wildfire near Ruidoso.

Strong Wind in SANTA FE METRO AREA, NEW MEXICO
From 03-APR-11 15:00:00 to 03-APR-11 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 45.00 EG
Property damage: 30.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Eight power poles were snapped in two around Edgewood.

Strong Wind in CURRY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 03-APR-11 15:00:00 to 03-APR-11 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 48.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A person at the New Mexico Military Institute observed several 6 to 7 inch branches snapped off by strong winds.

Wildfire in SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 03-APR-11 13:00:00 to 19-APR-11 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 1.50M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

A human-caused wildfire begun in Gavilan Canyon and quickly spread north and northeast as very strong winds fueled the fire. The White Fire crossed Highway 70 near Ruidoso Downs and continued to move toward Forest Service Road 120. Highway 70 between mile markers 265 and 271 was closed for a time. Much of the burned area consists of steep, rough and rocky terrain, which made it difficult to contain the fire.  In all, 10,384 acres were scorched, 5 homes and 7 outbuildings were destroyed and another 2 homes and 2 outbuildings were damaged.

High Wind in NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 03-APR-11 08:53:00 to 03-APR-11 09:53:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 36.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Wind gusts routinely reached 58 mph or greater between 1153 am and 453 pm MST. A peak wind gust of 65 mph was recorded at 1248 pm MST.

High Wind in FAR NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 03-APR-11 09:53:00 to 03-APR-11 10:53:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 35.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

High Wind in SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 03-APR-11 11:53:00 to 03-APR-11 17:53:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 55.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

High winds occurred at the Sierra Blanca Airport between 1135 am and 535 pm MST. Highest sustained winds reached 46 mph at 1155 am MST.

High Wind in WEST CENTRAL PLATEAU, NEW MEXICO
From 01-APR-11 11:53:00 to 01-APR-11 13:53:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 35.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Gallup reported a peak wind gust of 59 mph at 1253 pm MST.

High Wind in SOUTHWEST MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 03-APR-11 12:00:00 to 03-APR-11 12:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

The Magdalena Ridge Observatory reported wind gusts around 70 mph.

High Wind in QUAY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 03-APR-11 12:53:00 to 03-APR-11 12:53:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

High Wind in ALBUQUERQUE METRO AREA, NEW MEXICO
From 03-APR-11 12:29:00 to 03-APR-11 15:50:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 57.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

High winds occurred between 1230 pm and 350 pm MST around the Albuquerque Metro Area. The Double Eagle Airport reported a peak wind gust of 66 mph at 150 pm MST, with sustained winds of 55 mph between 1230 and 130 pm MST. The Albuquerque ASOS reported a peak wind gust of 60 mph at 200 pm and sustained winds of 43 mph from 200 pm to 300 pm MST. A peak wind gust of 60 mph was recorded at the top of the Tram at 100 pm MST.

High Wind in CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 03-APR-11 12:53:00 to 03-APR-11 16:53:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 40.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

High sustained winds occurred around Clines Corners between 1253 pm and 453 pm MST.