Red Flag Warning
2026-03-15T20:00:00-06:00

...RED FLAG WARNING FROM 9 AM TO 8 PM SUNDAY FOR ALL OF NORTHERN AND CENTRAL NM DUE TO STRONG TO SEVERE WINDS AND EXTREMELY LOW HUMIDITY... .Widespread critical fire weather will develop today. Winds will turn very strong to potentially damaging as both a Pacific and backdoor cold front pass through the area. With gusts between 40 and 65 mph and single digit humidity values in many areas, critical to extreme fire weather conditions are likely despite cooling temperatures. * AREA AND TIMING...Northwest Plateau (Zone 101), Northeast Plains (Zone 104), West Central Mountains (Zone 105), Middle Rio Grande Valley (Zone 106), West Central Basin and Range (Zone 109), North Central Mountains (Zone 120), Upper Rio Grande Valley and Lower Chama River Valley (Zone 121), Sangre de Cristo Mountains (Zone 122), Northeast Highlands (Zone 123), Sandia and Manzano Mountains (Zone 124), Central Highlands (Zone 125), and East Central Plains (Zone 126) today from 9 AM through 8 PM. * 20 FOOT WINDS...North northwest winds 25 to 40 mph with gusts between 45 and 65 mph today. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum values between 6 and 15 percent with locally higher values across the peaks of the Tusas Mountains and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. * IMPACTS...Outdoor burning is discouraged. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and will be hard to control. Long range spotting and extreme fire behavior will be possible.

Wheeler Peak Mountain Peaks

Mountain Peaks

Rocky Mountains

Sangre De Cristo Range

Last Updated: March 15, 2026

Located in the Rocky Mountains mountain range, Wheeler Peak is the highest summit in New Mexico, reaching an elevation of 13,167 feet (4,013 meters).

Summary

It is part of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range and is situated in the Wheeler Peak Wilderness within the Carson National Forest. Wheeler Peak boasts a prominent prominence of 3,409 feet (1,039 meters), making it a prominent landmark in the region.

During the winter season, Wheeler Peak experiences a significant amount of snowfall, with snowpack ranging from 50 to 150 inches (127 to 381 cm). This snowpack attracts mountaineers and winter sports enthusiasts from around the world. The mountain's snowpack also contributes to the runoff into nearby creeks and rivers, such as the Rio Hondo and the Rio Grande, providing water for surrounding areas.

The peak is named after George Montague Wheeler, a renowned explorer and surveyor who led several expeditions in the late 19th century. Wheeler Peak holds a rich history and is surrounded by fascinating legends and lore. One such legend tells the story of a hidden treasure buried somewhere on the mountain by Spanish conquistadors. Although many have searched for the treasure, it remains undiscovered. The allure of Wheeler Peak lies not only in its natural beauty and challenging terrain but also in the intriguing tales that have been woven into its history.

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15-Day Weather Outlook

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Red Flag Warning
Until 2026-03-15T20:00:00-06:00 • National Weather Service
...RED FLAG WARNING FROM 9 AM TO 8 PM SUNDAY FOR ALL OF NORTHERN AND CENTRAL NM DUE TO STRONG TO SEVERE WINDS AND EXTREMELY LOW HUMIDITY... .Widespread critical fire weather will develop today. Winds will turn very strong to potentially damaging as both a Pacific and backdoor cold front pass through the area. With gusts between 40 and 65 mph and single digit humidity values in many areas, critical to extreme fire weather conditions are likely despite cooling temperatures. * AREA AND TIMING...Northwest Plateau (Zone 101), Northeast Plains (Zone 104), West Central Mountains (Zone 105), Middle Rio Grande Valley (Zone 106), West Central Basin and Range (Zone 109), North Central Mountains (Zone 120), Upper Rio Grande Valley and Lower Chama River Valley (Zone 121), Sangre de Cristo Mountains (Zone 122), Northeast Highlands (Zone 123), Sandia and Manzano Mountains (Zone 124), Central Highlands (Zone 125), and East Central Plains (Zone 126) today from 9 AM through 8 PM. * 20 FOOT WINDS...North northwest winds 25 to 40 mph with gusts between 45 and 65 mph today. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum values between 6 and 15 percent with locally higher values across the peaks of the Tusas Mountains and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. * IMPACTS...Outdoor burning is discouraged. Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly and will be hard to control. Long range spotting and extreme fire behavior will be possible.