* WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 10 inches across much of eastern New Mexico with higher amounts of 10 to 16 inches above 9,000 feet. * WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central, and northeast New Mexico. * WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 8 AM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel will become very difficult to impossible for an extended period of time, most notably along I-40 from Tijeras Canyon to the Texas border. The weight of accumulating snow will stress the power grid, potentially creating outages. An extended period of cold temperatures will increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Bitterly cold temperatures will also accompany this winter storm, with the coldest temperatures in the eastern plains of New Mexico. Temperatures will be coldest Sunday and Monday mornings when much of the eastern half of New Mexico will be in the single digits with wind chills below zero.
As of January 23, 2026, Sandia Peak Ski Area is inching back into action, but skiers should temper expectations. Sandia Peak Ski Area is a ski resort located in New Mexico offering 37 trails for skiing and snowboarding.
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Overnight lows dipped to a chilly 26°F, preserving what little snow exists—only a 1-inch snowpack, a staggering 94% below average for this time of year. Despite the meager base, the mountain is bracing for a potential winter comeback, with over 7 inches of snow forecasted in the next 72 hours and another 7 inches expected by day five. The short-term 24-hour forecast calls for just over an inch of fresh snow, possibly enough to refresh some trails.
In brighter news, Sandia Peak has recently reopened under new management after a two-year closure, sparking excitement across the Southwest. With the promise of all lifts operational for the first time in years and budget-friendly tickets starting at just $19, this historic New Mexico resort is aiming for a full revival. However, operations remain limited due to current snow conditions, and guests are advised to check daily updates before heading up the tram. Keep an eye on the sky—if these forecasts deliver, this weekend could mark a turning point for the long-awaited return of skiing at Sandia Peak.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Quemazon.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Sandia Peak Ski Area.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Sandia Peak Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Sandia Peak Ski Area is located in the Sandia Mountains in New Mexico. The most pertinent mountain ranges and aspects of the ski resort include:
1. Sandia Mountains: The ski area is situated in the Sandia Mountains, which are part of the southern Rocky Mountains in New Mexico. The Sandia Mountains offer a range of terrain for skiing and snowboarding, with elevations reaching up to 10,678 feet at Sandia Crest.
2. South-facing slopes: The ski area primarily features south-facing slopes, which can receive ample sunlight throughout the day. This aspect can impact the quality and condition of the snow, as well as the overall skiing experience.
3. Northeast-facing slopes: While the majority of the ski area faces south, there are also some northeast-facing slopes that can offer different skiing conditions and challenges. These slopes may receive less direct sunlight and may hold onto snow longer, providing a different experience for skiers and snowboarders.
Overall, the varied terrain and aspects of the Sandia Peak Ski Area in the Sandia Mountains provide a diverse and exciting experience for winter sports enthusiasts.
The resort's best trails are considered to be Nose Dive, Loki, and Devil's Elbow. An interesting fact about this resort is that it was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. For beginners, the easiest trail is called the "Easy Street" which is a 0.6-mile long trail. For après ski, the best bar is the Double Eagle Restaurant and Bar, which offers a stunning view of the Sandia Mountains while serving delicious food and drinks.
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, snow showers likely, mainly after 5pm. mostly cloudy, with a high near 36. west wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the morning. chance of precipitation is 60%. total daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Sandia Peak Ski Area is expected to receive up to 7.41" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Northern New Mexico is expected to see moderate snow accumulation over the next five days, with the heaviest snowfall forecasted near Chamita (16"), Rio Santa Barbara (13"), and multiple sites near Tres Ritos, Gallegos Peak, and Palo (all 12"). These locations are in close proximity to major ski resorts such as Taos Ski Valley and Sipapu Ski Resort. Taos Ski ... Read more