Full Notification

...ACCUMULATING SNOW AND STRONG WIND IN THE NORTHERN MOUNTAINS THIS WEEKEND... .Periods of light snow will continue in the northern mountains today, then snow will increase in coverage as a storm system crosses tonight into Sunday. By late Sunday several inches of snow accumulation are expected in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, with over 1 foot across the high ridgeline of the Tusas Mountains. Accumulating snow will then taper off Sunday evening. Strong southwest and west winds will also develop, especially late tonight into Sunday when gusts may reach 50 mph above 8500 feet. Mountain tops of the southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains will experience wind gusts to 60 mph. The wind will blow and drift the snow, creating periods of near whiteout conditions and very cold wind chill temperatures.

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 8 to 14 inches above 8500 feet, 4 to 8 inches at lower elevations around Chama, and only an inch or two along the Highway 285 corridor. West and southwest winds will gust up to 40 mph mainly above 8500 feet. Snow drifts may reach 3 feet deep over the high terrain.

* WHERE...Tusas Mountains Including Chama.

* WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to 8 PM MST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Travel will be very difficult due to snow covered and icy roads. Strong wind over mountain passes will produce near whiteout conditions and near zero visibility at times. Wind chill temperatures will bottom out in the single digits and teens late tonight and Sunday morning.

* AFFECTED AREAS: TUSAS MOUNTAINS INCLUDING CHAMA

Instructions:

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for New Mexico can be obtained by calling 5 1 1, 1-800-432-4269, or visiting nmroads.com.