A very strong storm system with high winds and mountain snow impacted much of northern and central New Mexico on December 9-10, 2021. As this system tracked over the area, it steered a potent upper-level jet over the state. With the classic combination of strengthening upper-level winds and a deepening lee-side low over northeast New Mexico, a very windy day was the result across much of the area with the strongest winds in excess of 60 mph along and east of the central mountain chain. The highest wind gust of this event was recorded at the top of the Sandia Mountains with a gust of 72 mph. The high winds were responsible for large areas of blowing dust and reduced visibility across the eastern plains where very dry conditions were in place. Numerous reports of downed trees across the east were also received along with damage reports of peeled roofs and broken windows. This system also brought the first significant snow to the mountain areas of northern and western New Mexico where snowpack was well below average for the start of the season. The highest snow totals were received in the Tusas Mountains where mountain peaks received up to 11 inches. However, the combination of winds in this area also resulted in impacts with slick roads and areas of blowing snow creating treacherous travel conditions.

High Wind in CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 10-DEC-21 11:53:00 to 10-DEC-21 13:53:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 37.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station in Clines Corners measured a peak sustained wind of 43 mph.

High Wind in NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 10-DEC-21 12:53:00 to 10-DEC-21 15:53:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station in Las Vegas measured several hours of wind gusts in excess of 58 mph. The peak wind gust measured was 62 mph.

High Wind in UNION COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 10-DEC-21 12:55:00 to 10-DEC-21 13:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station in Clayton measured a brief wind gust of 61 mph.

High Wind in HARDING COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 10-DEC-21 12:00:00 to 10-DEC-21 12:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A COOP observer near Mosquero reported that high winds blew out a window in their barn. Time is estimated as are damages.

High Wind in EASTERN SAN MIGUEL COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 10-DEC-21 13:15:00 to 10-DEC-21 14:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Trained spotters near Conchas Dam and Bell Ranch estimated wind gusts to 60 mph across eastern San Miguel County. The observer near Bell Ranch reported blowing dust associated with the wind, but no damage.

High Wind in GUADALUPE COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 10-DEC-21 10:35:00 to 10-DEC-21 11:35:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 38.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

An AWOS station in Santa Rosa measured a peak sustained wind of 44 mph.

High Wind in GUADALUPE COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 10-DEC-21 12:00:00 to 10-DEC-21 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Trained spotters in Vaughn and Dilia estimated 60 mph wind gusts during the afternoon across Guadalupe County. The observer near Dilia reported that tin roofs were being blown off on old uninhabited buildings, and there was also blowing dust and dirt reducing visibility. Damages are estimated for the peeled roofs in Dilia.

High Wind in QUAY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 10-DEC-21 12:27:00 to 10-DEC-21 12:35:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A mesonet station near Endee measured a peak wind gust of 58 mph.

High Wind in CURRY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 10-DEC-21 13:09:00 to 10-DEC-21 13:14:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A public weather station near Clovis measured a peak wind gust of 58 mph.

High Wind in DE BACA COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 10-DEC-21 12:40:00 to 10-DEC-21 13:40:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A mesonet station near Fort Sumner measured a peak wind gust of 61 mph. These high winds were also responsible for a broken anemometer and several downed tree branches. Damages are a rough estimate.

High Wind in SOUTHWEST CHAVES COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 10-DEC-21 12:30:00 to 10-DEC-21 15:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter near Dunken estimated 60 mph wind gusts throughout the afternoon. These winds resulted in numerous tumbleweeds along with reduced visibility in blowing dust.

Heavy Snow in TUSAS MOUNTAINS INCLUDING CHAMA, NEW MEXICO
From 09-DEC-21 18:00:00 to 10-DEC-21 15:30:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

A SNOTEL site north-northwest of Canon Plaza received an estimated 11 inches of snow. The combination of snow and high winds created difficult driving conditions along high elevation roads with near zero visibility.

High Wind in EAST SLOPES SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 10-DEC-21 03:00:00 to 10-DEC-21 08:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

The Mineral Hill Fire Department reported numerous downed trees that were 8 to 10 inches in diameter along with numerous downed tree branches. A home in Mineral Hill reported that their outdoor furniture had been blown across the yard, and a rabbit cage had been flipped over. Gusts were estimated to about 60 mph. Extent of damages are unknown, thus damage amounts are a rough estimate.

High Wind in SANTA FE METRO AREA, NEW MEXICO
From 10-DEC-21 11:09:00 to 10-DEC-21 16:04:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A public weather station north of Madrid measured several hours of wind gusts in excess of 58 mph. The peak wind gust measured was 62 mph.

High Wind in SANDIA/MANZANO MOUNTAINS INCLUDING EDGEWOOD, NEW MEXICO
From 10-DEC-21 13:15:00 to 10-DEC-21 15:34:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 63.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The Sandia Tramway Observation Site measured a peak wind gust of 72 mph. The high winds forced the closure of the Sandia Peak Tramway.

High Wind in CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 10-DEC-21 11:53:00 to 10-DEC-21 12:53:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station in Clines Corners measured a peak wind gust of 64 mph.