Winter can bring gorgeous snow-covered landscapes and exciting sledding hills. Unfortunately, this isn’t all the season brings with it. Winter in New Mexico can be a dangerous time of year with heavy snowfalls, tall snowdrifts, and excessive wind speeds. The blizzard of 2015 is one winter storm that will go down in the history books. New Mexico’s great blizzard is one that those who lived through it are still talking about today.

$pacemilk/flickr
From December 26, 2015, to December 27, 2015, the entire state of New Mexico was quickly hit by heavy snow. Throughout the two-day blizzard, areas all across the state received record-breaking snowfall.
The National Guard/flickr
Areas that typically see little snow throughout the winter months received several inches in a short period of time.
The National Guard/flickr
Queen, New Mexico, in Eddy County, received up to 24-inches of snow. This is the largest accumulation of snow ever recorded in the county.

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Unfortunately, with the record snowfall in New Mexico came strong winds. Sustained winds up to 60 miles per hour were reported in areas across the state. These high winds created snow drifts more than 12 feet tall in some places.
Patrick Alexander/flickr
Roads all throughout New Mexico were closed and travelers were urged to stay at home. Many roads were impassable and dozens of wrecks were reported around the Land of Enchantment within the two days.
Patrick Alexander/flickr
The New Mexico Department of Transportation utilized more than 400 plows and 77,000 cubic yards of salt and cinder to help travelers safely reach their destinations throughout the state.
The National Guard moved into action to help clear the roads. Smaller roads around the state were impassable for several days and The National Guard used machinery like a Backhoe Loader to remove the heavy snow.
The National Guard/flickr

Do you remember New Mexico’s great blizzard? What do you remember most about this historic event? We’d love to hear about your experience during this historic winter in New Mexico. Please share your memories (and some photos!) with us in the comments!

To learn about other record-breaking blizzards in New Mexico, check out these five disastrous winter storms that have rocked the state.

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New Mexico's Great Blizzard

Courtnie Erickson | November 10, 2021

Do blizzards in New Mexico occur often?

Just like with many other states across the country, winter weather will vary drastically depending on where you are in the state. In the northern part of the Land of Enchantment, you can typically expect several large snowstorms every year. There are several places, such as the small town of Red River, where you can expect several feet of snow throughout the winter season. This small town is also one area where you can expect record snowfall in New Mexico.

Santa Fe, a city that sits more than 7,000 feet above sea level, is a common location for snowfall and blizzards in New Mexico. Fortunately, the winter weather in this city only lasts for a few months and the warmer temperatures typically melt the snow soon after it falls.

How should I spend my winter in New Mexico?

Winter in New Mexico is one of the best times of the year. While many individuals think about cacti and the desert when they think of the Land of Enchantment, they are missing multiple aspects that make New Mexico so special. For example, the Land of Enchantment is home to multiple ski resorts. Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe Resort, and Red River Ski Area are just a few of the popular places to strap on a pair of skis or ride down a hill on a snowboard. There are also some incredible trails throughout the state for snowshoeing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and other outdoor winter activities.

If you want to get away and find some rest, book a stay at a charming cabin or cottage in New Mexico. Elaine’s Bed and Breakfast in Cedar Crest is one of these incredible locations. This bed and breakfast is nestled in the Sandia Mountains and is not only delightful but the views are absolutely gorgeous.

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