Chama, New Mexico – Snow-covered mountain roads will create slick and hazardous travel across northern New Mexico through early Saturday morning.
A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 5 a.m. MST Saturday for the Tusas Mountains, including Chama, and the northern and southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Snow will continue to impact higher elevations overnight.
Forecasters expect total accumulations between 4 and 8 inches above 8,500 feet, with lighter amounts at lower elevations. Mountain passes and high terrain roadways are most likely to become snow-packed and icy.
According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, drivers should anticipate reduced traction and difficult travel conditions, especially along U.S. 64 near Chama and mountain routes through the Sangre de Cristo range. Conditions may deteriorate quickly after sunset as temperatures fall.
Motorists are urged to slow down, increase following distance and allow extra time to reach their destinations. Traction tires or chains may be needed in higher elevations. Officials recommend checking New Mexico road conditions by dialing 511 or visiting nmroads.com before heading into mountain areas.
Snow intensity should gradually decrease toward daybreak Saturday, but icy patches may linger into the morning hours, particularly on shaded stretches of highway.
Travelers planning early weekend trips through northern New Mexico should prepare for winter driving conditions.
