A slow moving upper level low pressure system slid eastward across central New Mexico on the 2nd and 3rd.  This combined with a back door cold front that ushered in abundant low level moisture, set the stage for a late season winter event.  Heavy, wet snow plagued the northern mountains, as well as portions of central and northeast New Mexico.  Snow amounts of one to two feet were reported across the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.  In addition to the snow, very strong northerly winds brought down approximately 150 power poles across northeast New Mexico.  The strong winds and blowing snow caused near zero visibilities which caused many roads to close, including Interstate 25 north of Springer.

Heavy Snow in SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 02-APR-12 11:00:00 to 03-APR-12 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Snow totals of 6 to 11 inches were reported across the San Juan Mountains.  The highest amounts were at area SNOTELs.

Heavy Snow in WEST SLOPES OF THE SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 02-APR-12 11:00:00 to 03-APR-12 14:30:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Area SNOTELs and Sipapu Ski area picked up between 9 and 16 inches of snow.

Heavy Snow in JEMEZ MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 02-APR-12 11:00:00 to 03-APR-12 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Between 6 and 12 inches of snow was reported across the Jemez Mountains.

Heavy Snow in NORTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS ABOVE 9500 FEET/RED RIVER, NEW MEXICO
From 02-APR-12 11:00:00 to 03-APR-12 14:30:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Approximately 20 inches of snow fell at Taos Ski area while area SNOTELs picked up between 12 and 14 inches of snow.

Heavy Snow in EAST SLOPES OF THE SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 02-APR-12 11:00:00 to 03-APR-12 14:30:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Area SNOTELs received up to 18 inches of snow, while in the towns of Angel Fire and Eagle Nest, 11 to 12 inches of snow was reported.

Heavy Snow in SANDIA/MANZANO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 02-APR-12 15:00:00 to 03-APR-12 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Between 6 and 12 inches of snow was reported, including 12 inches at Sandia Park and 8 inches at Sedillo.

Heavy Snow in ESTANCIA VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 03-APR-12 00:00:00 to 03-APR-12 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

In the far northern reaches of the Estancia Valley, northeast of Stanley, 6.5 inches of snow was reported.

Heavy Snow in SOUTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS ABOVE 9500 FEET, NEW MEXICO
From 02-APR-12 11:00:00 to 03-APR-12 14:30:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

The Wesner Springs SNOTEL picked up an estimated 22 inches of snow.

Heavy Snow in UPPER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 02-APR-12 16:00:00 to 03-APR-12 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Up to 7 inches of snow fell around the Taos area.

Heavy Snow in FAR NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 02-APR-12 19:00:00 to 03-APR-12 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Between 6 and 12 inches fell across the northeast highlands, including around a foot at Wagon Mound.

Heavy Snow in RATON RIDGE/JOHNSON MESA, NEW MEXICO
From 02-APR-12 18:00:00 to 03-APR-12 14:30:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Around 8 inches of snow fell at the Raton Pass, while 10 inches of snow fell at Capulin.

Heavy Snow in UNION COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 02-APR-12 23:00:00 to 03-APR-12 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Between 6 and 8 inches of snow fell across northern Union County, which turned the dirt roads to mud.  The southern half of the county saw little to no snow.

High Wind in RATON RIDGE/JOHNSON MESA, NEW MEXICO
From 02-APR-12 19:00:00 to 02-APR-12 23:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 375.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

An estimated 50 power poles were toppled by strong northerly winds.

High Wind in UNION COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 02-APR-12 19:00:00 to 02-APR-12 23:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 375.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Estimated wind gusts of 70 mph were reported near Gladstone, while the Clayton ASOS reported wind gusts up to 59 mph.  These strong winds took out an estimated 50 power poles across the area.

High Wind in FAR NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 02-APR-12 14:00:00 to 02-APR-12 18:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 375.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

An estimated 50 power poles were toppled by strong northerly winds.