Albuquerque, NM – Widespread moisture will return to New Mexico beginning Wednesday afternoon, bringing rain to most areas and significant mountain snow through Friday morning. The National Weather Service in Albuquerque says the most impactful snowfall will occur above 9,000 feet, especially across the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where totals may exceed 10 inches, with some peaks approaching one foot or more.
According to the weather service, snow levels Wednesday evening will remain close to 9,500 feet, then gradually drop to around 7,500–8,000 feet by Thursday night and early Friday. This lowering of snow levels may briefly push accumulating snow down to mountain pass elevations, creating hazardous travel across northern New Mexico.
The highest snow probabilities are centered on the Sangre de Cristo range near Taos, Angel Fire, Eagle Nest, and Pecos, where the forecast shows a strong chance of 4+ inches, with over a foot possible at the tallest elevations. Smaller but meaningful accumulations are also likely above 9,000 feet near Los Alamos and the high terrain west of the Rio Grande Valley.
Forecasters say widespread rainfall amounts of 0.25–1 inch will fall across central and northern New Mexico through Friday, with embedded afternoon thunderstorms adding locally higher totals — particularly in south-central parts of the state. Heavy precipitation rates may briefly push snow levels down by as much as 1,000 feet, causing slick conditions even at mid-elevation travel routes.
A Winter Weather Advisory may be required for the northern mountains as the system strengthens Wednesday night.
Travelers heading over high passes should prepare for winter driving conditions, reduced visibility, and rapidly changing snow levels.
