A powerful cold front surged southwest through eastern New Mexico on October 25, 2020 in advance of a potent upper level storm system approaching from the west. A record cold airmass over eastern New Mexico shifted west through the central mountain chain while precipitation began developing northward over central and western New Mexico early on the 26th. Precipitation changed over to all snow and several heavy snow bands impacted northern and western NM through the 27th. Areas along and west of the central mountain chain picked up eight to 16 inches of snow with up to 22 inches in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The Albuquerque metro area even picked up between five and 10 inches of snow with well over 100 vehicle accidents reported. A second round of heavy snow developed along the central mountain chain into eastern New Mexico from late on the 27th into the 28th. Blizzard conditions were reported over parts of northeast NM with 12 to 20 inches of snow, strong north winds, drifts of one to four feet, severe travel conditions, and road closures. Warmer air began filtering into the area by late on the 28th resulting in a mixture of rain and snow. Dozens of record low maximum and record low minimum temperatures were broken. Record daily snowfall records were also set for the month of October.

Heavy Snow in SOUTHWEST CHAVES COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 26-OCT-20 05:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 03:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snowfall amounts around Elk and Dunken ranged from three to seven inches.

Heavy Snow in SAN AGUSTIN PLAINS AND ADJACENT LOWLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 26-OCT-20 14:00:00 to 27-OCT-20 09:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Various stations along the U.S. Highway 60 corridor near Magdalena reported four to eight inches of snow.

Heavy Snow in NORTHWEST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 26-OCT-20 02:00:00 to 27-OCT-20 14:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Snowfall amounts of six to 11 inches were reported in the area from Cuba to Torreon Navajo Mission. Low visibility and hazardous travel conditions occurred along U.S. Highway 550.

Heavy Snow in TUSAS MOUNTAINS INCLUDING CHAMA, NEW MEXICO
From 25-OCT-20 22:00:00 to 27-OCT-20 12:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Various stations within the Tusas Mountains reported snowfall amounts between 10 and 20 inches with very low visibility in heavy snow. Chama reported between five and seven inches with this storm system.

Heavy Snow in NORTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 25-OCT-20 16:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 04:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Various stations reported between one and two feet of snow in the area around Taos Ski Valley and Red River. The 12.6 inches reported at Red River on October 26th set a new daily record.

Heavy Snow in EAST SLOPES SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 25-OCT-20 16:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 04:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Various stations reported between six and 14 inches of snow in the area from Mora to Angel Fire and Eagle Nest. The 14 inches reported at Eagle Nest on October 26th set a new daily record and the storm total of 20 inches set a new monthly record snowfall for October. Records at Eagle Nest date back to 1929.

Heavy Snow in JEMEZ MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 25-OCT-20 22:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 05:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Various stations within the Jemez Mountains reported snowfall amounts of one to two feet with intense snowfall rates. The 21 inches at Wolf Canyon on October 26th set a new daily record and the storm total of 23 inches set a new monthly record snowfall for October. Records at Wolf Canyon date back to 1912.

Heavy Snow in UPPER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 26-OCT-20 01:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 04:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Various stations around Taos reported between eight and 14 inches of snowfall.

Heavy Snow in ESPANOLA VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 26-OCT-20 03:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 05:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Various stations around Espanola reported between three and five inches of snowfall.

Heavy Snow in MIDDLE RIO GRANDE VALLEY/ALBUQUERQUE METRO AREA, NEW MEXICO
From 26-OCT-20 06:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 03:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Various stations across the Albuquerque metro area reported between four and 12 inches of snow with low visibility and severe travel conditions. Strong gap winds with gusts up to 58 mph at the Sunport resulted in a well-defined convergence band on the west side where 10 to 12 inch amounts were common. The 4.4 inches storm total snowfall at the Albuquerque Sunport set a new record snowfall for the month of October. Well over 100 motor vehicle accidents were reported and Interstate 40 was closed down at least once. Damage amounts are estimated for numerous vehicles however the extent of any injuries is unknown.

Heavy Snow in SANDIA/MANZANO MOUNTAINS INCLUDING EDGEWOOD, NEW MEXICO
From 26-OCT-20 09:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 04:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Various stations in the Sandia and Manzano mountains reported between five and 10 inches of snow with gusty winds, low visibility, and hazardous travel conditions.

Winter Storm in CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 25-OCT-20 22:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 02:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Snowfall amounts of three to six inches were reported along the U.S. Highway 285 corridor from Encino to Clines Corners along with low visibility and gusty winds.

Winter Storm in SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 26-OCT-20 01:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 01:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Various stations across the Ruidoso area reported between five and 10 inches of snow. A brief period of freezing rain was also reported toward the start of the storm.

Winter Storm in JOHNSON AND BARTLETT MESAS INCLUDING RATON PASS, NEW MEXICO
From 25-OCT-20 21:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 21:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Various stations reported between four and seven inches of snow from near Raton Pass to Capulin and Folsom. Areas much farther west toward Vermejo Park reported locally higher snowfall amounts in excess of 18 inches. Gusty north winds resulted in some areas of blowing and drifting snow with reduced visibility on the morning of the 28th.

Heavy Snow in GLORIETA MESA INCLUDING GLORIETA PASS, NEW MEXICO
From 25-OCT-20 18:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 05:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snowfall amounts ranged from eight to 16 inches in the area from near Glorieta to Rowe.

Blizzard in FAR NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 28-OCT-20 08:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 18:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The combination of snow and strong north winds resulted in considerable blowing and drifting snow with low visibility along Interstate 25 and U.S. Highway 56 east of Springer. Snow drifts of one to four feet were reported over parts of the area. NMDOT reported severe travel along Interstate 25 and closed U.S. 56 due to impossible travel conditions.

High Wind in SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 25-OCT-20 10:28:00 to 25-OCT-20 10:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Strong southwest winds in advance of an approaching storm system downed a 30 inch diameter tree near Ruidoso. A set of power lines was also damaged as the tree fell. Damages are estimated for a short section of power lines.

High Wind in NORTHWEST PLATEAU, NEW MEXICO
From 25-OCT-20 15:25:00 to 25-OCT-20 17:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 62.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The combination of strong southwest winds aloft and virga showers developing ahead of an approaching storm system resulted in high winds at the Farmington airport. Peak wind gusts between 58 mph and 71 mph occurred with several of these virga showers.

Blizzard in UNION COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 28-OCT-20 05:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 18:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The combination of snow and strong north winds resulted in considerable blowing and drifting snow with low visibility along U.S. Highway 56 west of Clayton. Snow drifts of one to four feet were reported over parts of the area. NMDOT closed U.S. 56 due to impossible travel conditions.

Heavy Snow in WEST CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 26-OCT-20 08:00:00 to 27-OCT-20 13:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snowfall amounts of four to nine inches were reported in the area around Grants. Low visibility and hazardous travel conditions occurred along Interstate 40.

Heavy Snow in SANTA FE METRO AREA, NEW MEXICO
From 26-OCT-20 00:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 05:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Various stations around Santa Fe reported between four and seven inches of snowfall.

Heavy Snow in UNION COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 25-OCT-20 17:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 05:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Various stations across Union County reported between eight and 12 inches of snow. Three consecutive daily snowfall records were set at Clayton on the 26th, 27th, and 28th. The storm total snowfall of 12.2 inches set a new record snowfall for the month of October at Clayton. Blizzard-like conditions began on the morning of the 28th as strong north winds produced considerable blowing and drifting snow.

Winter Storm in LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 26-OCT-20 15:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 04:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Various stations across the Socorro area reported snowfall amounts of two to five inches.

Heavy Snow in ESTANCIA VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 26-OCT-20 09:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 04:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Various stations in the Estancia Valley from Moriarty to near Mountainair reported between four and eight inches of snow.

Blizzard in EASTERN SAN MIGUEL COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 28-OCT-20 05:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 18:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The combination of snow and strong north winds resulted in considerable blowing and drifting snow with low visibility over eastern San Miguel County. Snow drifts of one to three feet were reported over parts of the area.

Heavy Snow in HARDING COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 25-OCT-20 18:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 05:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Various stations across Harding County reported between eight and 16 inches of snow. Blizzard-like conditions began on the morning of the 28th as strong north winds produced considerable blowing and drifting snow.

Winter Storm in SOUTH CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 26-OCT-20 00:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 03:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snowfall amounts of three to six inches were reported in the area from near Mountainair to near Corona.

Heavy Snow in EASTERN SAN MIGUEL COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 25-OCT-20 18:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 05:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Various stations across eastern San Miguel County reported between 10 and 20 inches of snow. Blizzard-like conditions began on the morning of the 28th as strong north winds produced considerable blowing and drifting snow. Conchas Dam and Mosquero reported two daily record snowfalls on the 27th and 28th. The 12.5 inches storm total at Conchas Dam set a new record monthly snowfall for October.

Blizzard in HARDING COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 28-OCT-20 05:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 18:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The combination of snow and strong north winds resulted in considerable blowing and drifting snow with low visibility over Harding County. Snow drifts of one to three feet were reported over parts of the area.

Blizzard in QUAY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 28-OCT-20 05:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 18:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

The combination of snow and strong north winds resulted in considerable blowing and drifting snow with low visibility over Quay County. Snow drifts of one to three feet were reported over parts of the area. A semi-trailer rolled over off of Interstate 40 near Tucumcari. Damages are estimated for total loss of the commercial vehicle and the extent of injuries is unknown.

Heavy Snow in QUAY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 25-OCT-20 19:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 05:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Various stations across Quay County reported between eight and 16 inches of snow. Blizzard-like conditions began on the morning of the 28th as strong north winds produced considerable blowing and drifting snow. Severe travel conditions were reported along Interstate 40 near Tucumcari.

Winter Storm in NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 25-OCT-20 20:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 14:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snowfall amounts between four and eight inches were reported around Las Vegas.

Winter Storm in FAR NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 25-OCT-20 20:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 08:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Various stations reported between three and six inches of snow along the Interstate 25  corridor from Raton south to Springer. Blizzard-like conditions began on the morning of the 28th as strong north winds resulted in blowing and drifting snow.

Heavy Snow in CHAVES COUNTY PLAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 26-OCT-20 02:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 05:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Snowfall amounts around Chaves County ranged from two to eight inches. The heaviest snow fell on the north side of Roswell. The 4.6 inches of snow at the Roswell airport on the 27th set a new daily record and the storm total of 4.9 inches set a new monthly record for October.

Winter Storm in ROOSEVELT COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 26-OCT-20 00:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 12:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snowfall amounts ranged from two to four inches around Roosevelt County. Some freezing rain was reported at the onset of the storm.

Heavy Snow in GUADALUPE COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 25-OCT-20 21:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 14:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Various stations within Guadalupe County reported between six and 12 inches of snowfall. Gusty north winds resulted in some blowing and drifting snow with difficult travel conditions along Interstate 40.

Heavy Snow in DE BACA COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 25-OCT-20 21:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 14:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Various stations within De Baca County reported from eight to 12 inches of snowfall.

Heavy Snow in EASTERN LINCOLN COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 26-OCT-20 00:00:00 to 28-OCT-20 05:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Snowfall amounts around eastern Lincoln County ranged from four to eight inches.