An upper level disturbance passed over northern NM late March 16, 2023 and through the morning of March 17, 2023. Preceding moisture associated with this system on the 16th produced heavy snow over the northern mountains or NM. The main disturbance and colder temperatures brought snow levels and bands of snow to lower elevations of west-central and central NM during the morning of March 17, 2023. These areas included the Santa Fe and Albuquerque metro areas. Several crashes caused road closures, including on I-25 and several state highways, resulting from snow producing low visibility. The highest snow accumulations of 1 to 2 feet were observed over the high terrain of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Heavy Snow in JEMEZ MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-MAR-23 22:00:00 to 17-MAR-23 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Reported by: SNOTEL

Heavy snow impacted the western high terrain of the Jemez Mountains where the Vacas Locas SNOTEL measured 11 inches of snow.

Heavy Snow in NORTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-MAR-23 22:00:00 to 17-MAR-23 09:00:00 (MST-7)
Reported by: SNOTEL

Heavy snow impacted the zone, highlighted by an estimated 21 inches of snow at the Taos Powderhorn SNOTEL. There were various reports of 7 to 18 inches of snow across the zone.

Heavy Snow in SOUTHERN SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 15-MAR-23 22:00:00 to 17-MAR-23 09:00:00 (MST-7)
Reported by: SNOTEL

Heavy snow impacted much of the southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The Rio Santa Barbara SNOTEL measured 17 inches of snow. There were various other reports of 8 to 14 inches of snow throughout the zone.

Heavy Snow in TUSAS MOUNTAINS INCLUDING CHAMA, NEW MEXICO
From 15-MAR-23 22:00:00 to 17-MAR-23 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Reported by: SNOTEL

Heavy snow reaching 10 inches was measured by a SNOTEL in the area.

Heavy Snow in EAST SLOPES SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS, NEW MEXICO
From 16-MAR-23 00:00:00 to 17-MAR-23 09:00:00 (MST-7)
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Heavy snow impacted the eastern edge of the zone. There were various reports of 12 to 21 inches of snow stretching from Rociada to Chacon to the Moreno Valley. The heavy snow also caused road closures on U.S. Highway 64 and State Highways 120 and 434.

Heavy Snow in UPPER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, NEW MEXICO
From 16-MAR-23 14:00:00 to 17-MAR-23 06:00:00 (MST-7)
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Heavy snow impacted parts of the Upper Rio Grande Valley. There were various reports of 5 to 9 inches of snow from Taos to San Cristobal and near the Rio Grande Gorge.

Heavy Snow in NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 16-MAR-23 14:00:00 to 17-MAR-23 08:00:00 (MST-7)
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Heavy snow impacted a limited section of the zone along I-25 south of Las Vegas. There were two reports of 10 to 12 inches of snow in these areas.

Heavy Snow in GLORIETA MESA INCLUDING GLORIETA PASS, NEW MEXICO
From 16-MAR-23 15:07:00 to 17-MAR-23 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Heavy snow and hazardous driving conditions impacted most of the zone. There were various reports of 10 to 12.8 inches of snow along I-25 from Glorieta to Ilfeld.

Heavy Snow in SANDIA/MANZANO MOUNTAINS INCLUDING EDGEWOOD, NEW MEXICO
From 16-MAR-23 19:00:00 to 17-MAR-23 08:00:00 (MST-7)
Reported by: Public

Heavy snow impacted the East Mountain Communities. There were various reports of 4 to 8 inches of snow with a locally high amount of 10 inches near Golden.

Winter Storm in GLORIETA MESA INCLUDING GLORIETA PASS, NEW MEXICO
From 16-MAR-23 22:00:00 to 16-MAR-23 23:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 2.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

NMDOT reported a crash on I-25 at mile marker 322 south of Las Vegas that closed the interstate.

Heavy Snow in NORTHWEST HIGHLANDS, NEW MEXICO
From 17-MAR-23 01:00:00 to 17-MAR-23 06:00:00 (MST-7)
Reported by: COOP Observer

Heavy snow impacted an isolated section of the zone where the Torreon Navajo Mission COOP station measured 7 inches of snow.

Heavy Snow in SANTA FE METRO AREA, NEW MEXICO
From 17-MAR-23 02:00:00 to 17-MAR-23 11:00:00 (MST-7)
Reported by: Social Media

Heavy snow impacted areas from Santa Fe Seton just southeast of Santa Fe proper down to Cerrillos. There were various reports of 4 to 11 inches of snow in these areas.