Light to moderate snow will continue expanding across northern and western New Mexico through 830 PM MST. The most persistent snowfall will be in the San Francisco Mountains near Luna...along Interstate 40 between Gallup and Laguna Pueblo...along Highway 4 in the Jemez Mountains...along the Colorado border near Dulce and Chama...and in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains from Red River south to the Village of Taos Ski Valley...and Tres Ritos. The coverage and intensity of snow will increase later this evening along the Continental Divide. Additional snowfall accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are likely above 7500 feet...particularly along west facing slopes. Accumulations in the lower elevations will remain below one inch through 830 PM MST. Motorists can expect Road conditions to gradually deteriorate this evening...especially in the high terrain. Visibilities will also be reduced below one mile at times in the heaviest snowfall.
Forecast for San Juan Mountains
Updated: 3:54 PM MST on December 22, 2009
Winter Storm Warning in effect until 5 PM MST Wednesday...
Tonight
Snow. Snow accumulation 1 or 2 inches...except 3 to 5 inches above 7500 feet. Lows 15 to 20. South winds 10 to 20 mph shifting to the southeast 10 to 15 mph after midnight.
Wednesday
Snow likely. Snow accumulation around 1 inch...except 1 to 3 inches above 7500 feet. Highs in the mid 20s to lower 30s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph.
Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow showers. Total snow accumulation 3 to 5 inches...except as much as 7 to 11 inches above 7500 feet. Colder. Lows 5 to 15.
Thursday
Partly cloudy with a chance of snow showers. Highs in the 20s to lower 30s. West winds 10 to 15 mph.
... Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 5 PM MST Wednesday...
A Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow remains in effect until 5 PM MST Wednesday.
* Snow accumulations... 3 to 6 inches below 7500 feet... 6 to 10 inches above 7500 feet. The heaviest accumulations are expected across the southwest facing slopes of the San Juan and Jemez Mountains.
* Timing... snow will continue increasing in coverage and intensity tonight through Wednesday morning. Snow may be heavy at times.
* Winds... widespread significant winds are not expected.
* Snow levels... 7000 feet through 900 PM then gradually falling to all elevations through midnight.
* Local impacts... hazardous driving conditions are expected across the northwest mountains and adjacent Highlands. Visibilities may be reduced tonight and Wednesday morning as snow intensity increases. Roadways may become snow packed and icy for Holiday travelers.
Precautionary/preparedness actions...
A Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous. Only travel in an emergency. If you must travel... keep an extra flashlight... food... and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.