This heavy snow event followed quickly on the heels of the initial heavy snow event from the 22nd to the 24th. Several upper level disturbances embedded in a deep fetch of abundant subtropical moisture continued shifting northeastward over New Mexico. This moisture and instability interacted with a record cold airmass entrenched over the state. Numerous locations reported record low maximum temperatures. Snow was measured in feet over the northern high terrain where record-breaking amounts were reported. This was the best period of snow in years for many resort locations across the northern mountains. Snowpack received a huge boost as many SNOTELs overcame huge deficits to end the month near normal to even above normal.

Heavy Snow in RATON RIDGE/JOHNSON MESA, NEW MEXICO
From 25-FEB-15 18:00:00 to 28-FEB-15 23:59:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

COOP reports averaged between 6 and 9 inches storm total snow during this extended winter storm. Frigid temperatures and gusty winds created deeper drifts and hazardous travel conditions.

Heavy Snow in FAR NORTHWEST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 27-FEB-15 09:00:00 to 28-FEB-15 17:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

CoCoRaHS and public reports averaged between 2 and 6 inches between Navajo and points around Cedar Hill.

Heavy Snow in NORTHWEST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 27-FEB-15 10:00:00 to 28-FEB-15 17:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Public reported near 11 inches in Ojo Encino with drifts as high as 3 feet. The heaviest snow fell during the early morning hours of the 28th along the north edge of the same intense snow band that impacted the Albuquerque and Santa Fe metropolitan areas. Otis ,NM set new records for the date on the 27th and 28th, with 3.6 inches and 16.3 inches, respectively.  The 16.3 inches was the heaviest 1-day total on record, dating back to 1958. Lindrith, NM received 15 inches on the 28th, setting a new record for the date and becoming the heaviest 1-day total on record, dating back to 1972.  The 9 inches that fell near Cuba on the 28th also set a new record for the date.

Heavy Snow in NORTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS ABOVE 9500 FEET/RED RIVER, NEW MEXICO
From 25-FEB-15 17:00:00 to 28-FEB-15 23:59:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

COOP and public reports averaged between 25 and 30 inches storm total snow during this extended winter storm. The snowfall accumulation from February 26th through March 1st in Red River was the heaviest since 2006.  The 11 inches reported on the 1st set a record for the day.

Heavy Snow in SOUTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS ABOVE 9500 FEET, NEW MEXICO
From 25-FEB-15 17:00:00 to 28-FEB-15 23:59:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

SNOTEL and public reports averaged between 9 and 17 inches storm total snow during this extended winter storm.

Heavy Snow in WEST CENTRAL PLATEAU, NEW MEXICO
From 27-FEB-15 12:00:00 to 28-FEB-15 09:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

CoCoRaHS, public, and amateur radio reports averaged between 4 and 5 inches around the Gallup area. Observers reported the snow was very wet and heavy. The 4 inches in the Gallup area set a new record for the date.

Heavy Snow in WEST CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 27-FEB-15 12:00:00 to 28-FEB-15 10:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

COOP, trained spotters, and public reports indicated between 3 and 6 inches of snow fell from Grants to Cubero and Laguna. The heaviest snowfall impacted the area as an intense band of snow moved through during the early morning hours of the 28th. Hazardous travel conditions were reported along Interstate 40.  Cubero received 6 inches of snow on the 28th, setting a new record for the date and was the most snowfall seen in 1 day since 2011.

Heavy Snow in WEST SLOPES OF THE SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 25-FEB-15 17:00:00 to 28-FEB-15 23:59:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

CoCoRaHS, SNOTEL, and public reports averaged between 12 and 20 inches storm total snow during this extended winter storm. Arroyo Seco reported a whopping 20.5 inches of snow for the 3-day period ending February 28th.  It was the heaviest 3-day event at Pecos National Monument since 2010. The 4 inches on the 26th and the 7 inches on the 28th at Pecos set new records for those dates, respectively.

Heavy Snow in EAST SLOPES OF THE SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 25-FEB-15 17:00:00 to 28-FEB-15 23:59:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

CoCoRaHS, SNOTEL, and public reports averaged between 12 and 18 inches storm total snow during this extended winter storm. The 3-day snowfall total in Gascon was the most since 2006.

Heavy Snow in GUADALUPE COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 26-FEB-15 19:00:00 to 27-FEB-15 12:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Trained spotters reported between 3 and 6 inches of new snow from Anton Chico to Santa Rosa and Newkirk. The heaviest snowfall occurred during the overnight hours of the 26th through sunrise on the 27th. Hazardous travel conditions were reported along Interstate 40 and U.S. Highway 54 was closed from Vaughn towards Corona.  The 6.5 inches on the 26th and the 3 inches on the 27th in Dilia each set a new record for the date. It was also the heaviest 3-day accumulation in Dilia since 2005.

Heavy Snow in FAR NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 25-FEB-15 18:00:00 to 27-FEB-15 11:59:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

COOP and public reports averaged between 3 and 8 inches storm total snow during this extended winter storm. The bulk of the heavy snowfall ended on the 26th followed by an extended duration of light snow and bitterly cold temperatures and gusty winds through the 27th. The 2 inches that fell in Maxwell on the 26th set a new record for the date.

Heavy Snow in NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 25-FEB-15 18:00:00 to 27-FEB-15 11:59:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

CoCoRaHS, trained spotters, and public reports averaged between 2 and 8 inches storm total snow during this extended winter storm. A lull in precipitation occurred during the afternoon of the 26th before another impressive round of snow moved over the area during the overnight hours. The heaviest amounts fell immediately south of Las Vegas within a very heavy snow band.

Heavy Snow in HARDING COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 25-FEB-15 21:00:00 to 27-FEB-15 11:59:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

CoCoRaHS, trained spotters, and public reports averaged from 4 to 5 inches storm total snow during this extended winter storm. A lull in the precipitation during the afternoon of the 26th was followed by another intense round of heavy snowfall overnight. The heaviest amounts fell along a line from Roy to Bueyeros southward. The 2 inches of snow in Mosquero on the 27th set a new record for the day.

Heavy Snow in QUAY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 26-FEB-15 20:00:00 to 27-FEB-15 12:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

CoCoRaHS and trained spotters reported between 3 and 6 inches of new snow over the entire county. The heaviest snowfall occurred during the overnight hours of the 26th through sunrise on the 27th. Travel was impacted along Interstate 40.  The 2.3 inches reported on the 27th in Tucumcari, NM and the 4 inches reported on the 26th in Ragland, NM each set a new record for the respective dates.

Heavy Snow in CURRY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 26-FEB-15 21:00:00 to 27-FEB-15 12:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

COOP, CoCoRaHS, trained spotters, and public reports averaged between 3 and 7 inches of new snow over the entire county. The heaviest snowfall occurred along the Quay County border during the overnight hours of the 26th through sunrise on the 27th.

Winter Weather in UPPER TULAROSA VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 26-FEB-15 19:00:00 to 27-FEB-15 10:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Light snow, freezing fog and black ice caused the closure of U.S. Highway 54 around 530am on the 27th from Carrizozo to Corona.

Heavy Snow in EASTERN SAN MIGUEL COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 25-FEB-15 18:00:00 to 27-FEB-15 11:59:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

CoCoRaHS, trained spotters, and public reports averaged between 8 and 10 inches storm total snow during this extended winter storm. A lull in the activity developed during the afternoon of the 26th before another round of heavy snowfall moved through overnight. The heaviest amounts occurred around Mosquero.  The 3 inches that fell in Conchas Dam on the 27th set a new record for the date.

Heavy Snow in JEMEZ MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 26-FEB-15 19:00:00 to 28-FEB-15 23:59:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

COOP, CoCoRaHS, SNOTEL, and public reports averaged between 13 and 33 inches storm total snow during this extended winter storm. The 33 inches at Wolf Canyon was the 5th heaviest 4-day snowfall event ever reported at the site dating back to 1912. The 16 inches on the 28th also set a new record for the date.

Heavy Snow in SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 26-FEB-15 19:00:00 to 28-FEB-15 23:59:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

COOP, CoCoRaHS, SNOTEL, and public reports averaged between 20 and 43 inches storm total snow during this extended winter storm. The 16 inches reported in Chama on the 28th was a record for the date and the 17 inches on the 1st was also a record for the date. The 33 inches for the 2-day period ending on the 1st was the 7th heaviest snowfall event dating back to 1893. In El Vado, the 12 inches on the 28th and the 10 inches on the 1st were a new records for the date, respectively. The 25 inches from the 27th through the 1st in El Vado set a new record for 3-day accumulations dating back to 1906.

Heavy Snow in LOWER CHAMA RIVER VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 26-FEB-15 20:00:00 to 28-FEB-15 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

CoCoRaHS reports around the Espanola area averaged between 3 and 7 inches of snowfall. The bulk of the snow fell in a heavy band during the early morning hours of the 28th.

Heavy Snow in SANTA FE METRO AREA, NEW MEXICO
From 26-FEB-15 19:00:00 to 28-FEB-15 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

COOP, CoCoRaHS, trained spotter, and public reports average between 4 and 7 inches during this prolonged winter event. The first impulse of snow early on the 27th produced a couple inches of snow followed by a lull during the afternoon. The most intense snowfall impacted the area in a very heavy band during the predawn hours of the 28th. The roughly 6 inches of snow in Santa Fe on the 28th set a new record for the date.

Heavy Snow in ALBUQUERQUE METRO AREA, NEW MEXICO
From 26-FEB-15 20:00:00 to 28-FEB-15 10:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

An extraordinary number of reports were received during this prolonged winter event. This was the most significant event to impact the Albuquerque metro area since 2006. The Albuquerque International Sunport broke daily snowfall records on both the 27th and the 28th. It was the 9th heaviest 2-day snowfall event on record dating back to 1931. The first impulse of snow early on the 27th produced a couple inches of snow followed by a lull during the afternoon. The most intense snowfall impacted the area in a very heavy band from the evening of the 27th to sunrise on the 28th. Interstate 40 west of Albuquerque closed late on the 26th and the on-ramp from Coors Road onto Interstate 40 EB closed during the morning on the 27th due to snowl and icy conditions. This snow also caused Rio Rancho public schools to close on the 27th.  The interchange from Interstate 25 NB onto Interstate 40 WB closed late on the 27th into the 28th due to heavy snow and ice on the overpass. Both Albuquerque and Rio Rancho public schools closed on the 28th.

Heavy Snow in SANDIA/MANZANO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 26-FEB-15 19:00:00 to 28-FEB-15 10:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

An extraordinary number of reports were received during this prolonged winter event. The first impulse of snow early on the 27th produced 3 to 6 inches of snow followed by a lull during the afternoon. The most intense snowfall impacted the area in a very heavy band from the evening of the 27th to sunrise on the 28th where an additional 3 to 8 inches was reported. Major impacts to travel were noted along Interstate 40 within Tijeras Canyon and around the east mountain communities.

Heavy Snow in ROOSEVELT COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 26-FEB-15 21:00:00 to 27-FEB-15 12:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Trained spotters reported between 2 and 6 inches of new snow from Portales to Arch and Floyd. The heaviest snowfall occurred during the overnight hours of the 26th through sunrise on the 27th.  The 1 inch of snow on the 26th and the 2.1 inches on the 27th in Portales set new records for the dates.

Heavy Snow in DE BACA COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 26-FEB-15 20:00:00 to 27-FEB-15 12:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Trained spotters and public reported between 3 and 6 inches of new snow from Fort Sumner to Sumner Lake and Taiban. The heaviest snowfall occurred during the overnight hours of the 26th through sunrise on the 27th.  The 4 inches in Sumner Lake and the 5 inches south of Fort Sumner on the 27th each set a new record for the date.  The 1-day snowfall total in Fort Sumner was the most since 2010.

Heavy Snow in EASTERN LINCOLN COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 26-FEB-15 19:00:00 to 27-FEB-15 12:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Trained spotters between 3 and 8 inches of new snow from near Picacho north to areas east of Corona. The heaviest snowfall occurred during the overnight hours of the 26th through sunrise on the 27th.

Heavy Snow in SOUTH CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 26-FEB-15 19:00:00 to 27-FEB-15 10:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Trained spotters between 5 and 7 inches of new snow from near Corona to areas south of Mountainair. The heaviest snowfall occurred from the late evening hours of the 26th through the predawn hours of the 27th. U.S. Highway 54 closed from Carrizozo, through Corona towards Vaughn due to the weather conditions and accidents.

Heavy Snow in ESTANCIA VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 26-FEB-15 20:00:00 to 27-FEB-15 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A large area of snowfall pushed east over the Estancia Valley during the evening of the 26th and produced around 3 to 5 inches of snowfall. The heaviest snow fell around midnight when visibilities were reduced to three-quarters of a mile at Moriarty. Impacts to travel were noted along Interstate 40.  The 3.2 inches on the 27th and the 9 inches on the 28th in Stanley, NM set new records for the date, with records dating back to 1955.  The 9 inches also was the heaviest 1-day total since 2006 and ranks as the 5th highest on record.

Heavy Snow in CHAVES COUNTY PLAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 26-FEB-15 22:00:00 to 27-FEB-15 12:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

COOP, CoCoRaHS, trained spotters, and public reports averaged between 3 and 5 inches of new snow. The heaviest snowfall occurred during the overnight hours of the 26th through sunrise on the 27th. Severe driving conditions were reported along U.S. Highway 70 near Roswell due to black ice, which caused 1 semi-truck to jackknife early on the 27th. Travel along U.S. Highway 285 was also impacted.  The 5 inches at the Bitter Lakes Wildlife Refuge on the 27th set a new record for the date, and tied for the 14th heaviest single-day snowfall dating back to 1951.  The 3.8 inches in Roswell on the 27th also set a new record for the date.

Heavy Snow in CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 26-FEB-15 20:00:00 to 27-FEB-15 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Strong and bitterly cold easterly upslope flow produced a heavy round of snow during the evening of the 26th through the morning of the 27th. The heaviest snow fell around Duran where 10 inches was reported. Impacts to travel were noted along Interstate 40 as well.  The 2.8 inches on the 27th in Pedernal, NM set a new record for the date, dating back to 1956.

Heavy Snow in UPPER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 25-FEB-15 17:00:00 to 28-FEB-15 10:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

CoCoRaHS reports averaged between 12 and 16 inches storm total snow during this extended winter storm. Climate records indicated this was the 6th heaviest 3-day snowfall event for Taos dating back to 1892. Many folks attested they had not seen this amount of snow since 2006.

Heavy Snow in NORTHWEST PLATEAU, NEW MEXICO
From 27-FEB-15 09:00:00 to 28-FEB-15 17:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

CoCoRaHS and trained spotters reported between 3 and 7 inches of snowfall around Farmington, Bloomfield, and Aztec. The first round of snow on the morning of the 27th was followed by freezing fog and flurries before the heaviest round of snow impacted the area early on the 28th. These were the heaviest 2-day snowfall amounts seen in the area since 2010.

Heavy Snow in CHUSKA MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 27-FEB-15 08:00:00 to 28-FEB-15 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

The Navajo Whiskey SNOTEL reported a 2-day total of around 9 inches. Storm total amounts through the entire active pattern since the 24th averaged about 15 inches.