An upper level storm system over Utah shifted slowly east southeast across New Mexico on the 15th and 16th. Meanwhile a powerful back door cold front moved south and west across the eastern plains, ushering in the coldest temperatures of the fall season. The combination of cold air, sufficient moisture, and upslope flow along the central mountain chain produced hefty snowfall accumulations. Upwards of 12 to 18 inches were reported in portions of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, with roughly 1 to 5 inches over much of the eastern plains. No major impacts to travel were noted along interstate corridors, however U.S. Highway 54 was closed within Quay County.

Heavy Snow in SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-NOV-14 20:00:00 to 16-NOV-14 10:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Trained spotters, SNOTELs, and COOP sites reported between 6 and 9 inches of snow. No major impacts to travel were noted.

Heavy Snow in WEST SLOPES OF THE SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-NOV-14 21:00:00 to 16-NOV-14 12:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Numerous reports of between 3 and 12 inches of snow from social media, CoCoRaHS, and SNOTELs. The heaviest amounts fell along U.S. Highway 64 between Taos and Angel Fire. Difficult driving conditions were reported across the area.

Heavy Snow in NORTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS ABOVE 9500 FEET/RED RIVER, NEW MEXICO
From 15-NOV-14 21:00:00 to 16-NOV-14 12:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Ski sites and SNOTELs reported between 5 and 8 inches of snow. Difficult driving conditions were reported across the area.

Heavy Snow in SOUTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS ABOVE 9500 FEET, NEW MEXICO
From 15-NOV-14 21:00:00 to 16-NOV-14 12:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Social media and SNOTELs reported between 4 and 8 inches of snow. Difficult driving conditions were reported across the area.

Heavy Snow in EAST SLOPES OF THE SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-NOV-14 20:00:00 to 16-NOV-14 12:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Numerous reports across the area reported between 6 and 18 inches of snow. The heaviest amounts occurred around Angel Fire. This was the first major snowfall of the fall season for the area. Difficult driving conditions were reported across much of this region.

Heavy Snow in UPPER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 15-NOV-14 22:00:00 to 16-NOV-14 10:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Numerous reports across the area reported between 2 and 5 inches of snow. Difficult driving conditions were reported across much of this area.

Heavy Snow in CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 16-NOV-14 04:00:00 to 16-NOV-14 13:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Numerous sites including COOP reported between 2 and 4 inches of snow.

Heavy Snow in LOWER CHAMA RIVER VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 15-NOV-14 23:00:00 to 16-NOV-14 10:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Numerous reports from trained spotters, CoCoRaHS, public, and social media across the area reported between 2 and 4 inches of snow.

Heavy Snow in SANTA FE METRO AREA, NEW MEXICO
From 16-NOV-14 01:00:00 to 16-NOV-14 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Numerous reports from trained spotters, CoCoRaHS, public, and social media across the area reported between 2 and 4 inches of snow.

Heavy Snow in ESTANCIA VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 16-NOV-14 04:00:00 to 16-NOV-14 12:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Numerous reports from trained spotters, CoCoRaHS, public, and social media across the area reported between 3 and 7 inches of snow.

Heavy Snow in FAR NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-NOV-14 22:00:00 to 16-NOV-14 10:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Numerous reports from trained spotters, CoCoRaHS, public, and social media across the area reported between 4 and 8 inches of snow. Difficult driving conditions were reported across the area.

Heavy Snow in NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-NOV-14 22:00:00 to 16-NOV-14 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Numerous reports from trained spotters and public across the area reported between 4 and 7 inches of snow. Difficult driving conditions were reported across the area.

Heavy Snow in QUAY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 16-NOV-14 03:00:00 to 16-NOV-14 14:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Numerous reports from COOP and public reported between 3 and 5 inches of snow. U.S. Highway 54 was closed at mile marker 304 near Montoya. Roads were impassible.

Heavy Snow in DE BACA COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 16-NOV-14 05:00:00 to 16-NOV-14 14:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Numerous reports from COOP and trained spotters reported between 3 and 5 inches of snow.

Heavy Snow in EASTERN LINCOLN COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 16-NOV-14 03:00:00 to 16-NOV-14 13:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Reports from fire department and trained spotters reported between 3 and 5 inches of snow.