A strong winter storm system deepened over the Rockies before tracking southward into New Mexico on February 1, 2022 and continuing into February 2nd. Accompanying this system was a backdoor cold front that brought in very cold arctic air into northern and central New Mexico. This blast of cold air combined with the slow moving system set the stage for widespread snow and winter weather impacts. The highest snow totals were measured across the northern high terrain of New Mexico where numerous SNOTELs and ski sites received two to three feet of new snow. Lower elevations also received heavy snow totals with with four to six inches common across the northeast and east central plains. Portions of the Santa Fe and Albuquerque metro areas also received snow totals near eight inches. While the heavy snow resulted in severe travel conditions across most of northern and central New Mexico, these already poor conditions were exacerbated by the very cold temperatures from the arctic airmass. Snow and any water on the roadways were quickly frozen, leading to extremely icy conditions that lasted into February 4th before temperatures finally warmed above freezing. Across the Albuquerque area, numerous automobile accidents were reported with some injuries as well. Unfortunately, this storm system was indirectly responsible for four fatalities in automobile accidents. Two occurred at Sandia Peak, one occurred in Los Lunas, and the fourth occurred near Santa Rosa. Impacts: extreme cold, heavy snow, icy road conditions, poor travel, indirect fatalities, indirect injuries.

Heavy Snow in ESPANOLA VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 01-FEB-22 19:30:00 to 02-FEB-22 20:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A CoCoRaHS observer near La Madera measured 11.4 inches of snow.

Heavy Snow in FAR NORTHWEST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 01-FEB-22 18:00:00 to 02-FEB-22 19:30:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter near Regina measured eight inches of new snow.

Heavy Snow in SOUTH CENTRAL MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 01-FEB-22 20:00:00 to 03-FEB-22 06:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Various sources across the south central mountains reported heavy snow. The highest snow totals were measured near Ruidoso where both a CoCoRaHS observer and a member of the public measured 11 inches of new snow.

Winter Storm in UPPER TULAROSA VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 02-FEB-22 00:00:00 to 03-FEB-22 04:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

The combination of heavy snow and below freezing temperatures resulted in severe travel conditions. The New Mexico Department of Transportation reported severe and dangerous travel conditions along U.S. Highway 380 and U.S. Highway 54 due to snow packed and icy roads.

Heavy Snow in SOUTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 01-FEB-22 19:30:00 to 02-FEB-22 20:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

A SNOTEL southwest of Rociada received an estimated 10 inches of new snow.

Winter Storm in GUADALUPE COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 02-FEB-22 01:30:00 to 03-FEB-22 06:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Various sources reported two to five inches of snow across Guadalupe County. The combination of heavy snow and below freezing temperatures resulted in dangerous travel conditions. During the morning of February 2nd, a multi-vehicle accident that involved thirteen vehicles occurred on Interstate 40 near Santa Rosa when the driver of a semi-truck collided into the rear end of another semi-truck. Eleven other commercial motor vehicles and three passenger cars then crashed into each other. All vehicles were traveling eastbound on Interstate 40, but the multi-vehicle crash forced the shutdown of the major travel corridor in both directions. One indirect fatality resulted from the accident. The 35-year-old man was driving a van carrying six other people. He was pronounced dead at the scene while the other six people had varying injuries and were transported to a hospital. Their conditions are unknown. No other injuries were reported.

Heavy Snow in GLORIETA MESA INCLUDING GLORIETA PASS, NEW MEXICO
From 01-FEB-22 19:00:00 to 02-FEB-22 21:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A CoCoRaHS observer near Glorieta measured 10 inches of new snow.

Extreme Cold/Wind Chill in ESTANCIA VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 03-FEB-22 20:15:00 to 04-FEB-22 07:35:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

An AWOS station in Moriarty recorded several hours of extreme cold temperatures with wind chills of -18 to -35 degrees Fahrenheit.

Heavy Snow in MIDDLE RIO GRANDE VALLEY/ALBUQUERQUE METRO AREA, NEW MEXICO
From 02-FEB-22 04:00:00 to 03-FEB-22 04:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Numerous sources reported heavy snow across the Albuquerque metro area. Snow totals varied across the city with the highest totals located in the northern half of the metro where a CoCoRaHS observer in Rio Rancho measured 7.5 inches of snow. At the official climate site at the Albuquerque International Airport, the snow total for this event was 1.6 inches. This snow combined with dangerously cold temperatures resulted in treacherous road conditions. The Albuquerque Police Department responded to 51 vehicle accidents during this event with three of those involving injuries. One indirect fatality also resulted from this event. A Rio Grande High School senior was struck by an out-of-control pickup truck in Los Lunas as he was helping a woman whose car had gotten stuck in the ice and snow. The 18-year-old male was pronounced dead at the scene.

Extreme Cold/Wind Chill in UPPER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 03-FEB-22 21:15:00 to 04-FEB-22 07:56:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

An AWOS station in Taos recorded several hours of extreme cold temperatures with wind chills of -18 to -33 degrees Fahrenheit.

Heavy Snow in NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 01-FEB-22 23:00:00 to 02-FEB-22 22:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter near San Jose measured 8.5 inches of new snow.

Extreme Cold/Wind Chill in HARDING COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 03-FEB-22 22:00:00 to 04-FEB-22 08:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: RAWS

A RAWS station near Mills measured several hours of extreme cold temperatures with wind chills of -18 to -21 degrees Fahrenheit.

Heavy Snow in UPPER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 02-FEB-22 00:00:00 to 02-FEB-22 20:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A CoCoRaHS observer near Ranchos de Taos measured 8.4 inches of new snow. Severe driving conditions were reported along U.S. Highway 64 from Taos to Eagle Nest.

Extreme Cold/Wind Chill in EASTERN LINCOLN COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 03-FEB-22 21:00:00 to 04-FEB-22 08:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A public weather station east of Corona measured several hours of extreme cold temperatures with wind chills of -18 to -21 degrees Fahrenheit.

Heavy Snow in EASTERN LINCOLN COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 02-FEB-22 01:00:00 to 03-FEB-22 03:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

The fire department east-southeast of Corona reported eight inches of new snow.

Extreme Cold/Wind Chill in QUAY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 03-FEB-22 21:00:00 to 04-FEB-22 08:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A mesonet station near Endee measured several hours of extreme cold temperatures with wind chills of -18 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Heavy Snow in WEST CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 01-FEB-22 23:00:00 to 03-FEB-22 02:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter near San Fidel measured seven inches of new snow.

Extreme Cold/Wind Chill in UNION COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 03-FEB-22 19:15:00 to 04-FEB-22 08:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A CWOP weather station near Sedan measured several hours of extreme cold temperatures with wind chills of -18 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Heavy Snow in NORTHWEST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 02-FEB-22 00:00:00 to 02-FEB-22 19:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A COOP observer near Cuba measured seven inches of new snow. This two-day total is the second highest snowfall measurement for these days for the COOP station that has been reporting since 1946.

Extreme Cold/Wind Chill in FAR NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 03-FEB-22 22:15:00 to 04-FEB-22 08:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station near Raton measured several hours of extreme cold temperatures with wind chills of -18 degrees Fahrenheit.

Heavy Snow in SOUTH CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 02-FEB-22 00:00:00 to 03-FEB-22 03:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter southwest of Corona estimated seven inches of new snow.

Extreme Cold/Wind Chill in SANTA FE METRO AREA, NEW MEXICO
From 03-FEB-22 20:20:00 to 04-FEB-22 08:15:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

An ASOS station near Santa Fe measured several hours of extreme cold temperatures with wind chills of -18 degrees Fahrenheit.

Heavy Snow in NORTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 01-FEB-22 18:00:00 to 02-FEB-22 20:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Various SNOTELs and ski sites across the northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains received snow totals of two to three feet. The highest snow totals were measured near Taos where the Taos Ski Valley received an estimated 37 inches of new snow.

Heavy Snow in CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 02-FEB-22 00:00:00 to 03-FEB-22 04:30:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A trained spotter west-northwest of Milagro estimated 6.5 inches of new snow.

Extreme Cold/Wind Chill in GUADALUPE COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 03-FEB-22 21:00:00 to 04-FEB-22 08:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

A mesonet station near Vaughn measured several hours of extreme cold temperatures with wind chills of -18 degrees Fahrenheit.

Heavy Snow in TUSAS MOUNTAINS INCLUDING CHAMA, NEW MEXICO
From 01-FEB-22 18:00:00 to 02-FEB-22 19:30:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Various SNOTELs across the Tusas Mountains measured snow totals in excess of ten inches. The highest snow totals in the area were near Canon Plaza where a SNOTEL received an estimated 21 inches.

Heavy Snow in SANTA FE METRO AREA, NEW MEXICO
From 01-FEB-22 23:00:00 to 03-FEB-22 03:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A CoCoRaHS observer north-northeast of Los Cerrillos measured 6.1 inches of new snow. Other snow totals around the Santa Fe metro area generally ranged from three to five inches. This heavy snow resulted in dangerous travel conditions. A motor vehicle accident was reported on northbound Interstate 25 near La Cienega which forced the closure of the roadway.

Heavy Snow in JEMEZ MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 01-FEB-22 18:00:00 to 02-FEB-22 20:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: SNOTEL

Various SNOTELs across the Jemez Mountains received snow totals in excess of ten inches. The highest snow totals were near Cuba where a SNOTEL east of Cuba received an estimated 16.5 inches.

Heavy Snow in ESTANCIA VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 01-FEB-22 23:00:00 to 03-FEB-22 02:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

A CoCoRaHS observer near Moriarty measured six inches of new snow.

Heavy Snow in SANDIA/MANZANO MOUNTAINS INCLUDING EDGEWOOD, NEW MEXICO
From 01-FEB-22 19:00:00 to 03-FEB-22 03:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Various sources measured heavy snow totals in excess of six inches across the area. The highest snow totals were near Sandia Park where a CoCoRaHS observer measured 16.4 inches of snow while areas near Sedillo and Edgewood received 10 to 12 inches of new snow. The heavy snow resulted in snow packed and icy roads which lead to severe driving conditions in the area. Several motor vehicle accidents were reported, but one of these crashes resulted in two indirect fatalities. Two people inside of a car traveling near Sandia Crest fell nearly 100 feet down the side of the mountain. One was declared dead at the scene while the other was rescued and transported to the hospital, but they later succumbed to their injuries.

Heavy Snow in LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 02-FEB-22 08:00:00 to 03-FEB-22 03:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Several CoCoRaHS observers near Socorro measured 4 to 4.5 inches of new snow.

Heavy Snow in EAST SLOPES SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 01-FEB-22 21:00:00 to 02-FEB-22 20:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A COOP observer near Eagle Nest measured 13.2 inches of new snow. This set a new daily record for highest snowfall for the COOP site which has been reporting since 1929. Severe driving conditions were reported along U.S. Highway 64 in the Eagle Nest area.

Heavy Snow in SOUTHWEST CHAVES COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
From 02-FEB-22 02:30:00 to 03-FEB-22 00:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

A COOP observer near Elk measured four inches of new snow. This set a new daily record for snowfall for the COOP site which has been reporting since 1895.