The last storm in a series of very active winter systems moved across northern and central New Mexico on the 7th and 8th. This storm produced the most widespread snowfall of the series and ushered in the coldest temperatures of the winter season for sheltered valleys of northern New Mexico. Many areas along and north of Interstate 40 picked up 3 to 6 inches with amounts of 8 to 12 inches common in the higher terrain. Widespread difficult travel conditions were reported. Convective snow showers on the 8th produced impressive snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour in the area from Espanola south to Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Overnight low temperatures averaged between -15 and -30 in valley areas from Dulce to Taos and Angel Fire each morning thereafter through the 12th.

Heavy Snow in WEST CENTRAL PLATEAU, NEW MEXICO
From 07-JAN-16 10:00:00 to 08-JAN-16 08:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

COOP observers reported between 1 and 6 inches across the area from Gallup to Fence Lake. Much of the area started out as rain but transitioned to snow as very cold air arrived. NM DOT reported difficult travel conditions through this area, including Interstate 40.

Heavy Snow in NORTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS ABOVE 9500 FEET/RED RIVER, NEW MEXICO
From 07-JAN-16 10:00:00 to 08-JAN-16 22:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Public and COOP observers across the area reported between 4 and 14 inches of fresh snow on the morning of the 8th. NM DOT reported difficult travel conditions, including Bobcat Pass. Persistent snowfall over several days worsened the impacts to travel.

Heavy Snow in SOUTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS ABOVE 9500 FEET, NEW MEXICO
From 07-JAN-16 10:00:00 to 08-JAN-16 22:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Public observers and SNOTELs across the area reported between 10 and 15 inches of fresh snow on the morning of the 8th. NM DOT reported difficult travel conditions, including Hyde Park. Persistent snowfall over several days worsened the impacts to travel.

Heavy Snow in FAR NORTHWEST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 07-JAN-16 06:00:00 to 08-JAN-16 18:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

COOP observers reported between 3 and 7 inches across the area from Navajo Dam to Dulce. NM DOT reported difficult travel conditions through this area.

Heavy Snow in NORTHWEST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 07-JAN-16 06:00:00 to 08-JAN-16 18:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Observers reported between 3 and 8 inches of snow in the area from Lindrith to Cuba and Torreon. NM DOT reported difficult travel conditions through this area, including U.S. Highway 550.

Heavy Snow in JEMEZ MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 07-JAN-16 08:00:00 to 08-JAN-16 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

COOP observers and SNOTELs reported between 8 and 12 inches from near Cuba to Wolf Canyon and Pajarito Mountains. NM DOT reported difficult travel conditions through this area, including highway 4. The road from Fenton Lake to Cuba was closed following this event.

Heavy Snow in WEST SLOPES OF THE SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 07-JAN-16 10:00:00 to 08-JAN-16 22:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Various observers across the area reported between 6 and 10 inches of fresh snow on the morning of the 8th. NM DOT reported difficult travel conditions through the area.