As a very strong low pressure system tracked into California on April 22, 2022, it steered an incredibly potent upper-level jet across New Mexico. Winds at 250mb within this jet reached 90 to 100 knots while at 700mb, these westerly winds strengthened to 50 to 60 knots. Meanwhile, deep atmospheric mixing along with a deepening surface low over northern Colorado only helped to enhance surface wind speeds. This set the stage for a widespread damaging wind event across all of northern and central New Mexico. 60 to 70 mph winds were common for several hours across all of northern and central New Mexico with higher gusts of 80 to 95 mph measured across the northern high terrain and northeast highlands. These strong winds created extensive areas of blowing dust, especially across western and central New Mexico. Numerous sites, such as Farmington, Gallup, Santa Fe, and Albuquerque, reported reduced visibility to less than one quarter mile at times. This caused poor travel conditions, and major highways like Interstate 25 near Santa Fe were forced to close due to several traffic accidents. With exceptionally dry conditions persisting, this set the stage for a catastrophic fire weather day with with at least twenty new fire starts. The ongoing Cooks Peak, Hermits Peak, and Calf Canyon wildfires experienced exceptional growth underneath these high winds and exploded in size within hours. The Calf Canyon Fire threatened numerous communities across Mora and San Miguel counties, prompting numerous evacuations for many residents.

High Wind in WEST CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 13:24:00 to 22-APR-22 17:49:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 42.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A New Mexico Department of Transportation weather station at Interstate 40 and New Mexico State Road 6 measured a peak sustained wind speed of 48 mph.

High Wind in MIDDLE RIO GRANDE VALLEY/ALBUQUERQUE METRO AREA, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 14:09:00 to 22-APR-22 17:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 39.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station near Albuquerque measured a peak sustained wind speed of 45 mph. Several hours of high wind speeds reduced visibility at Albuquerque to one statute mile from blowing dust.

High Wind in UNION COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 11:32:00 to 22-APR-22 18:35:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 70.00 MG
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter near Clayton measured 80 mph wind gusts. These winds downed the spotter's backyard fence. Several hours of high wind speeds also reduced visibility at Clayton to one half to three quarters statute miles from blowing dust and smoke. Damages are a rough estimate.

High Wind in SOUTHWEST MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 16:38:00 to 22-APR-22 17:38:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 55.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

A RAWS station near Old Horse Springs measured a peak wind gust of 63 mph.

High Wind in LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 13:20:00 to 22-APR-22 17:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 61.00 MG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

A White Sands Missile Range mesonet station southeast of Bosque del Apache measured a peak wind gust of 70 mph. Numerous reports of damage were received across Socorro County as a result of these high winds. Several large trees were downed in Socorro as well as on the New Mexico Tech campus. Power outages were also reported across Socorro County. Damages are a rough estimate.

High Wind in UNION COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 11:35:00 to 22-APR-22 18:35:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 45.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station near Clayton measured a peak sustained wind speed of 52 mph. Several hours of high wind speeds reduced visibility at Clayton to one half to three quarters statute miles from blowing dust and smoke.

High Wind in JEMEZ MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 14:55:00 to 22-APR-22 18:55:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

An AWOS station near Los Alamos measured a peak wind gust of 61 mph. Several hours of high wind speeds reduced visibility at Los Alamos to 1 to 2 statute miles from blowing dust.

High Wind in LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 11:15:00 to 22-APR-22 19:20:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 45.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A White Sands Missile Range mesonet station southeast of Bosque del Apache measured a peak sustained wind speed of 52 mph.

High Wind in HARDING COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 12:40:00 to 22-APR-22 14:30:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 38.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A weather station near Mosquero measured a peak sustained speed of 44 mph.

High Wind in JEMEZ MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 14:55:00 to 22-APR-22 18:55:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 41.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

An AWOS station near Los Alamos measured a peak sustained wind speed of 47 mph. Several hours of high wind speeds reduced visibility at Los Alamos to 1 to 2 statute miles from blowing dust.

High Wind in ESTANCIA VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 14:00:00 to 22-APR-22 18:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 55.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A weather station near Estancia measured a peak wind gust of 63 mph.

High Wind in CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 13:53:00 to 22-APR-22 18:50:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 61.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station near Clines Corners measured a peak wind gust of 70 mph.

High Wind in GUADALUPE COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 15:35:00 to 22-APR-22 18:15:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 35.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

An AWOS station near Santa Rosa measured a peak sustained wind speed of 40 mph.

High Wind in QUAY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 14:10:00 to 22-APR-22 18:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 55.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station near Tucumcari measured a peak wind gust of 63 mph.

High Wind in GLORIETA MESA INCLUDING GLORIETA PASS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 16:13:00 to 22-APR-22 18:15:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A weather station near Glorieta measured a peak wind gust of 60 mph.

High Wind in CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 13:53:00 to 22-APR-22 18:14:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 44.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station near Clines Corners measured a peak sustained wind speed of 51 mph.

High Wind in QUAY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 14:10:00 to 22-APR-22 18:15:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 39.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station near Tucumcari measured a peak sustained wind speed of 45 mph.

High Wind in CHAVES COUNTY PLAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 13:35:00 to 22-APR-22 13:40:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 51.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station near Roswell measured a peak wind gust of 59 mph.

High Wind in NORTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 14:00:00 to 22-APR-22 18:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 81.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A weather station at Taos Ski Valley measured a peak wind gust of 93 mph.

High Wind in SOUTH CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 15:30:00 to 22-APR-22 17:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 55.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A White Sands Missile Range mesonet station south of Bingham measured a peak wind gust of 63 mph.

High Wind in SAN AGUSTIN PLAINS AND ADJACENT LOWLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 14:46:00 to 22-APR-22 14:56:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A weather station near Magdalena measured a peak wind gust of 65 mph.

High Wind in NORTHWEST PLATEAU, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 12:45:00 to 22-APR-22 16:55:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 62.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station near Farmington measured a peak wind gust of 71 mph. Several hours of high wind speeds reduced visibility at Farmington to 1 to 2 statute miles from blowing dust.

High Wind in EAST SLOPES SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 17:15:00 to 22-APR-22 17:35:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 50.00 MG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

An AWOS station near Angel Fire measured a peak wind gust of 58 mph. These high winds reduced visibility at Angel Fire to 3 to 4 statute miles from blowing dust and smoke. A member of the public near Mineral Hill reported that the high winds broke large tree limbs and tore shingles off their roof. Damages are a rough estimate.

High Wind in UPPER TULAROSA VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 15:40:00 to 22-APR-22 18:05:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 55.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A White Sands Missile Range mesonet station west-southwest of Oscura measured a peak wind gust of 63 mph.

High Wind in SANDIA/MANZANO MOUNTAINS INCLUDING EDGEWOOD, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 13:00:00 to 22-APR-22 18:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A weather station near Sandia Park measured a peak wind gust of 62 mph.

High Wind in NORTHWEST PLATEAU, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 13:25:00 to 22-APR-22 16:50:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 45.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station near Farmington measured peak sustained wind speed of 52 mph. Several hours of high wind speeds reduced visibility at Farmington to 1 to 2 statute miles from blowing dust.

High Wind in UPPER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 13:31:00 to 22-APR-22 17:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 55.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

An AWOS station near Taos measured a peak wind gust of 63 mph. Several hours of high wind speeds reduced visibility at Taos to one half to three quarters statute miles from blowing dust.

High Wind in SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 13:15:00 to 22-APR-22 20:35:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 59.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

An AWOS station near Ruidoso measured a peak wind gust of 68 mph. Several hours of high wind speeds reduced visibility at Ruidoso to 2 to 3 statute miles from blowing dust.

High Wind in NORTHWEST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 12:00:00 to 22-APR-22 17:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter near Cuba estimated peak wind gusts of 60 mph.

High Wind in EASTERN SAN MIGUEL COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 13:00:00 to 22-APR-22 19:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter near Maes estimated peak wind gusts of 70 mph.

High Wind in WEST CENTRAL PLATEAU, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 11:30:00 to 22-APR-22 17:10:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 61.00 MG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station near Gallup measured a peak wind gust of 70 mph. Several hours of high wind speeds reduced visibility at Gallup to 1 to 2 statute miles from blowing dust. A COOP observer near Gallup reported shingles lost on their home and numerous trees downed. Power was also out for different areas around Gallup. Damages are a rough estimate.

High Wind in UPPER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 13:25:00 to 22-APR-22 16:56:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 46.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

An AWOS station near Taos measured a peak sustained wind speed of 53 mph. Several hours of high wind speeds reduced visibility at Taos to one half to three quarters statute miles from blowing dust.

High Wind in SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 12:35:00 to 22-APR-22 18:15:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 44.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

An AWOS station near Ruidoso measured a peak sustained wind speed of 51 mph. Several hours of high wind speeds reduced visibility at Ruidoso to 2 to 3 statute miles from blowing dust.

High Wind in EASTERN LINCOLN COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 13:00:00 to 22-APR-22 19:00:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter near Arabela estimated peak wind gusts of 60 mph. Several hours of high winds blew their patio furniture away and also created poor visibility from blowing dust.

High Wind in WEST CENTRAL PLATEAU, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 11:42:00 to 22-APR-22 16:50:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 42.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station near Gallup measured a peak sustained wind speed of 48 mph. Several hours of high wind speeds reduced visibility at Gallup to 1 to 2 statute miles from blowing dust.

High Wind in ESPANOLA VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 16:34:00 to 22-APR-22 17:34:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

A RAWS station northwest of Espanola measured a peak wind gust of 60 mph. The emergency manager reported that the high winds downed a chicken house near Pojoaque Pueblo. Damages are a rough estimate.

High Wind in JOHNSON AND BARTLETT MESAS INCLUDING RATON PASS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 10:30:00 to 22-APR-22 19:45:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 63.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A weather station near Capulin measured a peak wind gust of 72 mph.

Dust Storm in NORTHWEST PLATEAU, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 12:30:00 to 22-APR-22 15:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

High winds across the Northwest Plateau resulted in a large area of dust that swept eastward through the area. Several observers reported that visibility was less than one quarter mile which impacted travel for several hours along U.S. Highways 64 and 550.

High Wind in WEST CENTRAL MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 14:25:00 to 22-APR-22 16:25:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 52.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

A RAWS station southeast of El Morro measured a peak wind gust of 60 mph.

High Wind in SANTA FE METRO AREA, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 14:07:00 to 22-APR-22 17:10:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 61.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station near Santa Fe measured a peak wind gust of 70 mph. Several hours of high wind speeds reduced visibility at Santa Fe to one half statute mile from blowing dust.

High Wind in FAR NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 10:53:00 to 22-APR-22 20:50:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 70.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station near Raton measured a peak wind gust of 81 mph. Several hours of high wind speeds reduced visibility at Raton to 1 to 2 statute miles from blowing dust and smoke.

Dust Storm in SANTA FE METRO AREA, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 15:00:00 to 22-APR-22 18:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Several hours of high winds resulted in significant areas of blowing dust that tracked eastward across the area. Visibility was reduced to less than one quarter mile, and very poor visibility forced the closure of Interstate 25 north of Algodones at mile marker 248 to Waldo Canyon Road at mile marker 267. Multiple accidents were reported as well, but the extent of injuries is unknown. Damages are a rough estimate.

High Wind in WEST CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 15:04:00 to 22-APR-22 15:34:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A New Mexico Department of Transportation weather station located at Interstate 40 and New Mexico State Road 6 measured a peak wind gust of 62 mph.

High Wind in SANTA FE METRO AREA, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 15:50:00 to 22-APR-22 17:50:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 39.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station near Santa Fe measured a peak sustained wind speed of 45 mph. Several hours of high wind speeds reduced visibility at Santa Fe to one half statute mile from blowing dust.

High Wind in FAR NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 09:50:00 to 22-APR-22 20:50:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 49.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station near Raton measured a peak sustained wind speed of 56 mph. Several hours of high wind speeds reduced visibility at Raton to 1 to 2 statute miles from blowing dust and smoke.

Dust Storm in WEST CENTRAL PLATEAU, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 13:00:00 to 22-APR-22 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Several hours of high wind speeds across the West Central Plateau resulted in significant areas of blowing dust and very poor visibilities less than one quarter mile. This dust storm near Gallup forced the closure of U.S. Highway 491 for several hours during the afternoon hours.

High Wind in MIDDLE RIO GRANDE VALLEY/ALBUQUERQUE METRO AREA, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 14:09:00 to 22-APR-22 15:55:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 56.00 MG
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station near Albuquerque measured a peak wind gust of 64 mph. Several hours of high wind speeds reduced visibility at Albuquerque to one statute mile from blowing dust. Numerous reports of downed trees were received due to the high winds, and power was out for several hours of portions of the Albuquerque metro area. Damages are a rough estimate.

High Wind in NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 11:53:00 to 22-APR-22 18:50:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 64.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station near Las Vegas measured a peak wind gust of 74 mph. Several hours of high wind speeds reduced visibility at Las Vegas to 3 to 4 statute miles from blowing dust and smoke.

Wildfire in LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 14:00:00 to 22-APR-22 16:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A barn caught on fire just north of San Antonio on Olguin Road. With very high winds across the area, sparks from the barn fire were carried which started a brush fire. Fortunately, crews were able to contain the fire within about two hours, but the barn as well as one camper were lost. Damages are estimated.

High Wind in NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 11:20:00 to 22-APR-22 18:53:00 (MST-7)
Magnitude: 45.00 MS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station near Las Vegas measured a peak sustained wind speed of 52 mph. Several hours of high wind speeds reduced visibility at Las Vegas to 3 to 4 statute miles from blowing dust and smoke.

Wildfire in JEMEZ MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 22-APR-22 14:45:00 to 30-APR-22 23:59:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 10.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

The Cerro Pelado Fire began during the afternoon hours of April 22nd approximately seven miles east of Jemez Springs. With very high winds in the area, this fire rapidly spread, and by the morning of April 23rd, it had grown to 4,688 acres. Evacuation orders were quickly given for Sierra de Los Pinos and other communities near the Cerro Pelado Fire. This fire even prompted the closure of New Mexico State Road 4 that leads to Los Alamos. Within a matter of days, this wildfire began to move into the burn scar of the 2011 Las Conchas Fire, the 2013 Thompson Ridge Fire, and the 2017 Cajete Fire. As a persistent windy pattern continued through the remainder of the month of April, this fire only rapidly spread. After the next very windy event on April 29th, the fire had spread to 15,650 acres with only 15 percent containment. By the end of the month on April 30th, the fire had burned 17,885 acres with containment now down to 10 percent. Three homes were destroyed by this fire, but no information has been given as to what day those homes were lost. Many other homes and structures remain threatened by this fire. Damages are estimated.