All New Mexico ski areas are closed for the season. New Mexico is under a public health emergency shelter in place order. You can read about the latest regulations here. I will continue to post regular weather forecasts through April 15 for informational purposes and to provide a source for positive news.

I am reporting on the current storm and new snow for weather purposes and not to encourage skiing or excursions into the mountains. We should all adhere to the NM order and stay home. I agree with Ski Santa Fe Manager, Ben Abruzzo, who said it best: "I plan to stay home, to exercise and recreate at my home and to do what I can to support our community. I ask that you do the same." And I agree with Taos Ski Valley: "Our mountain will still be here when this is all said and done. The best thing we can do now is stay home and stay safe, freeing up our rockstar healthcare and essential workers to do their jobs without adding extra burdens."

We are all in this together. Together we will get through this. And our beloved mountains will be here with us when we do.

April 13 storm

New Mexicans across the central and northern portions of the state awoke to the first snow accumulation in about a month. A quick scan of webcams and SNOTEL shows 3-4 inches so far at Ski Santa Fe and Sandia Peak, 2-3 inches at Taos, and 1-2 inches at Pajarito and Angel Fire.

The satellite loop below shows the overnight and early morning precipitation bands streaking across the central and northcentral portion of the state which delivered the snow so far. Additional rain and snow bands will continue on and off through Monday evening.

 

The NAM 3km radar loop shows the expected precipitation forecast for the remainder of Monday into Tuesday with the central/north-central latitudes of the state favored. Blues=snow, greens=rain.

Look for 4-9" of snow in the southern Sangres (Santa Fe, Pecos Wilderness), 3-10" in the Sandias and Manzanos, 1-5" in the Jemez and northern Sangres.

Let's hope this storm delivers on the high end of the forecast models to help New Mexico's snowpack, river flow, and water supply heading into late spring and summer.

I will post a storm recap and a look at the extended forecast on Tuesday, April 14. If you have any questions or would like to see any specific data or have a take on the 2019-2020 season from a snow and storm perspective, please email me at [email protected].

Stay safe and healthy. ¡Que viva Nuevo Mexico!

JULIEN ROSS

COVID-19 relief efforts
OpenSnow has created a resource for local foundations that are deploying funds to directly respond to the most vulnerable members of our mountain communities.

Also, doctors and nurses need personal protective equipment included GOGGLES! You can find a local hospital that needs a donation of goggles here: https://gogglesfordocs.com/

OpenSnow is Hiring
OpenSnow is hiring a Weather Data Scientist! This position will help us create an automated process to download, adjust, and visualize weather model data. Details --> here.