Albuquerque, New Mexico – Mountain travel across northern New Mexico could become nearly impossible within minutes Tuesday as 65 mph wind gusts whip heavy snow into whiteout conditions through 8 p.m. Drivers heading into the Sangre de Cristo and Tusas Mountains face visibility dropping below a quarter mile and snow drifts piling up over 2 feet deep in exposed areas.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the Northern and Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Tusas Mountains, including Chama, until 8 p.m. Tuesday. Forecasters expect 3 to 6 inches of snow above 8,500 feet in the Sangre de Cristo range, with lesser totals at lower elevations. In the Tusas Mountains, snowfall will range from 4 to 8 inches above 8,000 feet, with up to 4 inches below that mark.
Strong winds will drive blowing and drifting snow across high-elevation roads, including U.S. 64, U.S. 84 near Chama, and mountain passes along State Road 518. Gusts up to 65 mph could snap tree limbs and knock down power lines, creating scattered outages in rural communities.
State transportation officials urge drivers to avoid non-essential travel. Anyone who must head out should carry food, water, blankets, and a flashlight. For real-time road updates, call 511 or visit nmroads.com.
The heaviest impacts will continue through the evening commute before conditions gradually improve after 8 p.m., though lingering slick spots and drifting snow may persist overnight. Additional advisories could be issued if winds remain strong into Wednesday morning.
