Weather
New Mexico Snow Records: 41 Inches Fell in Just One Day
Albuquerque, NM – New Mexico may be known for its desert landscapes and warm climate, but historical weather records reveal that parts of the state have experienced extraordinary snowstorms. One locat
By Cameron Hayes · 2026-10-21T13:16:46.701Z
Albuquerque, NM – New Mexico may be known for its desert landscapes and warm climate, but historical weather records reveal that parts of the state have experienced extraordinary snowstorms. One location recorded more than 3 feet of snow in a single day, while several counties have documented snowfall totals exceeding 30 inches.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Centers for Environmental Information, Kelly Ranch in Socorro County recorded 41 inches of snow on Feb. 3, 1964, the highest measurement in the supplied New Mexico county level one day snowfall records.
New Mexico's Top 10 Historical One Day Snowfall Records The following are the 10 highest county level snowfall measurements in NOAA's supplied database, ranked by accumulation.
41.0 inches — Socorro County: Kelly Ranch, Feb. 3, 1964. 36.0 inches — Colfax County: Abbott 1 SE, Nov. 24, 1940. 36.0 inches — Mora County: Gascon, May 2, 1978. 36.0 inches — Rio Arriba County: Dulce, Nov. 22, 1931. 36.0 inches — Taos County: Red River, March 12, 1985. 33.0 inches — McKinley County: McGaffey RS, Nov. 23, 1931. 33.0 inches — Torrance County: Clines Corners 7 SE, Dec. 30, 2006. 30.0 inches — Bernalillo County: Sandia Crest, Dec. 29, 1958. 30.0 inches — Cibola County: Ramah, Nov. 22, 1931. 30.0 inches — Harding County: Hoosier Ranch, Nov. 24, 1940. Some Snowfall Records Are Nearly 100 Years Old The records highlight how powerful winter storms have affected New Mexico for generations.
In November 1931, both Rio Arriba and Cibola counties recorded extraordinary snowfall totals, while McKinley County registered 33 inches the following day.
Even more unusual, Mora County recorded 36 inches on May 2, 1978, demonstrating that significant snowfall can occur well beyond the traditional winter months.
Could New Mexico See Another Historic Snowstorm? Mountain communities near Taos, Red River and the Sandia Mountains remain particularly vulnerable to heavy snowfall when strong storm systems combine with sufficient moisture and cold air.
Major winter storms can affect Interstate 25, Interstate 40 and mountain highways, potentially creating hazardous travel conditions.
While historical records cannot predict the upcoming winter, they demonstrate that New Mexico is capable of experiencing extreme snowfall despite its generally dry climate.
Residents should monitor National Weather Service forecasts and winter storm advisories as the 2026 27 winter season approaches.