It is a sleepy Sunday across the Land of Enchantment with mostly sunny skies, some wispy clouds, and a bit of a brisk wind to keep us on our toes.

We are enduring a rather brutal stretch without new snow. But the Red River town cam on Sunday morning is a good reminder that we still have great conditions and the beauty of our beloved Land of Enchantment to be grateful for.

With that glass-half-full sentiment in mind, I have just a quick Sunday update to say that it looks like our much-anticipated pattern change will come in with a gentle whisper rather than a bang.

Several systems will mark the return of winter to New Mexico from Monday through Thursday. There will be plenty of cold and wind so it will feel like winter.

But it looks like the snowfall amounts will be meager. I wish I had better news following what has already been a two-week dry spell.

The first storm will bring light snow to New Mexico overnight Monday. 

With a little luck, we could enjoy a few inches of fresh snow on groomers for first chair Tuesday.

Then on Thursday, we could see a dusting to an inch or so favoring the northern mountains. Let's give another day or two to hone in on Thursday's possibilities. 

Friday, February 10th to Sunday, February 12th should be similar to the current weekend with dry and mild conditions.

From February 13th to the 15th, we could finally see a better storm. The model ensembles are holding steady and if anything trending further south which puts New Mexico more in play for a direct hit.

We are still more than a week away, so all I can say is pencil in Valentine's Day as a possible powder day in the fantasy land 9-day outlook!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend and I will post again on Monday.

JULIEN ROSS
[email protected]

New Mexico Geography Key

Northern Mountains
→ Red River, Taos Ski Valley (north side of northern mountains - Sangre de Cristos)
→ Angel Fire (northeast side of northern mountains - Sangre de Cristos)
→ Sipapu (middle of the northern mountains - Sangre de Cristos)
→ Ski Santa Fe (south side of the northern mountains - Sangre de Cristos)
→ Pajarito (southwest side of the northern mountains - Jemez)

Central Mountains
→ Sandia Peak (Sandias)
→ Mt. Taylor backcountry (San Mateos)

Southern Mountains
→ Ski Apache (Sacramentos)
→ Ski Cloudcroft (Sacramentos)