Sandia peak
Sandia rises to 10,678 ft in Intermountain-West within the Southwest Basins And Ranges range.
With an elevation of 10,678 feet, it stands tall as one of the highest peaks in New Mexico. Stretching across approximately 17 miles, Sandia Mountain offers a diverse range of mountaineering experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.
During the winter season, Sandia Mountain receives a substantial amount of snowfall, providing excellent opportunities for winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. The snowpack range varies depending on the year, but on average, it can accumulate between 50 to 100 inches of snow. This attracts both locals and tourists alike to engage in thrilling winter activities.
The melting snow from Sandia Mountain contributes to the formation of various creeks and rivers in the surrounding areas. Some notable water bodies that receive runoff from the mountain include the Rio Puerco, Jemez River, and Rio Grande. These water sources play a vital role in the ecosystem, supporting diverse wildlife and providing essential water supply for nearby communities.
The name "Sandia" holds a rich history and interesting legends. The Spanish word "sandía" means watermelon, and the mountain got its name due to the striking red hue it often appears to have during sunsets, resembling the color of a watermelon. Additionally, local Native American tribes have their own folklore surrounding the mountain, attributing it with spiritual significance and tales of supernatural beings residing in its peaks.
Overall, Sandia Mountain is a captivating mountaineering destination in the Intermountain West. Its impressive elevation, size, winter snowpack, and contribution to surrounding water systems make it a truly remarkable natural landmark with a fascinating history and lore.
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Intermountain-West range.
Snowpack near Sandia
Snow water equivalent and snowpack depth at SNOTEL stations near the peak. Best proxy for what's currently sitting on the summit.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | View |
|---|---|---|
| Hopewell | 1 in | → |
| Bateman | 1 in | → |
| Cumbres Trestle | 1 in | → |
| Quemazon | 1 in | → |
| San Antonio Sink | 2 in | → |
| Nohrsc Cumbres Trestle | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Vacas Locas | 1 in | → |
| Hopewell | 1 in | → |
| San Antonio Sink Snotel | 2 in | → |
Streamflow near Sandia
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| Rio Chama Near Chamita | 409 cfs | → |
| Rio Grande At Embudo | 215 cfs | → |
| Rio Chama Below Abiquiu Dam | 449 cfs | → |
| Embudo Creek At Dixon | 4 cfs | → |
| Rio Chama Above Abiquiu Reservoir | 276 cfs | → |
| Rio Grande Blw Taos Junction Bridge Near Taos | 212 cfs | → |
| Rio Ojo Caliente At La Madera | 9 cfs | → |
Plan around incoming weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column -- snow at this elevation typically lags the radar signature by a few hours.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
What's around Sandia
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Sandia.
Get Sandia on your phone.
Save this peak as a favorite and get push alerts when storms move in, fresh snow falls upstream, or NWS issues a weather warning. Free, account optional.
Scan to install Look for this on your home screen