A deep upper level low pressure system pushed south along the California coastline on the 29th then weakened while turning slowly eastward across much of New Mexico on the 30th and 31st.  Widespread light to moderate snowfall developed across many areas along and south of Interstate 40. Moderate to heavy snowfall develop over the northern mountains where 12 to 18 inches was reported. Very cold temperatures in association with this system created widespread hazardous travel conditions, particularly across the northern high terrain.

Heavy Snow in SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 30-DEC-12 20:00:00 to 31-DEC-12 23:59:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Snowfall reports of 4 to 10 inches were reported from COOP and SNOTEL data across the area.  Very cold temperatures and snowfall created treacherous road conditions.

Heavy Snow in UNION COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 31-DEC-12 01:00:00 to 31-DEC-12 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Snowfall amounts of 4 to 9 inches were reported from COOP, public, broadcast media, and neighboring Amarillo NWS office.  1 to 2 foot drifts were reported with gusty winds. Very cold temperatures created treacherous travel conditions.

Heavy Snow in HARDING COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 31-DEC-12 02:00:00 to 31-DEC-12 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Snowfall amounts of 3 to 5 inches were reported from COOP and trained spotters. Very cold temperatures and gusty winds created treacherous travel conditions.

Heavy Snow in CHUSKA MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 30-DEC-12 21:00:00 to 31-DEC-12 23:59:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Navajo Whiskey Creek SNOTEL reported 8 inches of snowfall.  Very cold temperatures likely created hazardous travel conditions in the area.

Heavy Snow in JEMEZ MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 30-DEC-12 21:00:00 to 31-DEC-12 23:59:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Snowfall amounts of 4 to 12 inches were reported from COOP, ski sites, and SNOTEL data. Very cold temperatures created hazardous travel conditions across this region.

Heavy Snow in WEST SLOPES OF THE SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 31-DEC-12 03:00:00 to 31-DEC-12 23:59:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Snowfall amounts of 4 to 12 inches were reported from ski sites and CoCoRAHS data. Very cold temperatures created hazardous travel conditions across the area.

Heavy Snow in NORTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS ABOVE 9500 FEET/RED RIVER, NEW MEXICO
From 31-DEC-12 03:00:00 to 31-DEC-12 23:59:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Snowfall amounts of 3 to 15 inches were reported from SNOTEL, ski sites, and COOP data. Very cold temperatures created hazardous travel conditions across the area.

Heavy Snow in SOUTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS ABOVE 9500 FEET, NEW MEXICO
From 31-DEC-12 03:00:00 to 31-DEC-12 23:59:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Snowfall amounts of 5 to 19 inches were reported from SNOTEL, ski sites, and COOP data. Very cold temperatures created hazardous travel conditions across the area.