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By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
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A snow warning was issued on Thursday afternoon as National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists warned that up to 9 inches of snow could fall across parts of New Mexico over a period of two days.
The winter weather advisory was issued by the NWS office in Albuquerque at 1:32 p.m. local time. It will go into effect late Friday morning for the Tusas Mountains, including Chama, the Northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It comes as meteorologists have begun warning about back-to-back storms set to pummel the West with as much as 10 feet of snow over the next week.
The winter storm system set to hit New Mexico on Friday is warmer than usual this time of year, NWS meteorologist Matt DeMaria told Newsweek, so beneficial rain will fall at lower elevations, such as in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Mountain communities will probably see about an inch or two of snow, DeMaria said, with the heaviest accumulations at high elevations.
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The incoming storms mark a sharp turn from the region’s prolonged dry stretch and persistent snow deficits in states such as California, Utah and Colorado, where low snowpack has raised concerns about water supply heading into spring.
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The Albuquerque winter weather advisory will be in effect from 11 a.m. local time on Friday through 5 a.m. Saturday. Pockets of northern New Mexico have a high chance of experiencing at least minor winter storm impacts, according to a winter weather probability map from the NWS Weather Prediction Center.
"Snow expected. Total snow accumulations up to 5 to 9 inches above 8,500ft with lesser amounts below," NWS Albuquerque said in the winter weather advisory. "High mountain roads and passes will likely become slick and hazardous. Travel could be very difficult. Tire traction will be reduced. Extend the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you."
The advisory added that anyone driving during the advisory should "slow down and use caution while traveling."
NWS Albuquerque also shared the messaging on its X page.
"A storm system will cross #NM Friday through Saturday, bringing more widespread rain and snow showers," the office posted. "Snow levels will initially be around 8,500 ft, lowering to 7,000-8,000 ft Friday night. Minor winter travel conditions are favored in the western/northern high terrain."
An infographic included with the post said the greatest impacts would be felt above 7,500 feet, including U.S. Highways 64 and 84. Meteorologists warned of slick, icy roads and reduced visibility during periods of blowing snow.
As of Thursday evening, winter weather advisories were also in place for northern Utah, although these were set to expire at 5 p.m. local time. The NWS will likely issue more winter weather messaging, such as winter storm warnings and similar alerts, as the storm system gets closer.
California, Utah and Colorado are expecting some of the most significant impacts from the incoming systems through mid-week next week. Some NWS offices have begun messaging about hazardous weather outlooks.
"Mountain snow will continue into Friday evening with intermittent impacts on mountain roadways," NWS Grand Junction, Colorado, said in one such outlook. "Daytime temperatures will help with melting, but overnight travel could see snow and ice covered roads. A brief lull in active weather Saturday and Sunday will precede a return of unsettled weather as we move into early next week."
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