SLIPPERY WEATHER
Freezing rain, snow expected in area as cold front sweeps through
Travelers beware, but skiers cross your fingers.
A mix of rain, freezing rain, and snow forecast to hit New Mexico today helped prompt Sandia Peak to open a portion of its ski area Friday.
Travelers have less reason to cheer, with freezing rain in the forecast today across much of eastern New Mexico.
Sandia Peak announced Wednesday that it will open the beginners’ area and the Cubby Corner children’s area on an 18-inch base, with additional openings as snowfall allows. Tram access is not yet available.
“We are more excited than anyone else at the prospect that this might be the storm,” said Benny Abruzzo, president of Sandia Peak Ski Co.
“Right now, it’s in Mother Nature’s hands,” he said. “We have people ready and waiting to get the lodge open and get the lessons organized. We just have to wait.”
Additional snowfall may come to the East Mountains by tonight, with 4 to 6 inches predicted for Clines Corners.
The Albuquerque area could get an inch
or two of snow tonight as lows fall to about freezing, but snow is unlikely to stick Friday, with a high of 49 predicted.
Other ski areas in the state are already open, and the National Weather Service predicts potentially heavy snowfall in New Mexico’s higher elevations.
The heaviest snowfall today is expected in the Chama area, where up to 12 inches is predicted by tonight. Up to 2 inches of snow is forecast for Santa Fe, Mora and Los Alamos, and up to 3 inches in Las Vegas.
The cause of the wintry weather today is a cold front that is expected to move west across the state, setting up conditions for a mix of rain, freezing rain, sleet and snow.
Rising temperatures increase the likelihood of rain later today, but temperatures should remain low enough in places for significant snowfall, particularly in higher elevations.
Another front expected to enter the state from the northwest on Saturday offers a chance that some New Mexicans may experience a white Christmas this year, especially in the higher elevations.
For now, the Sandia Peak Ski Area can be accessed by Sandia Crest Road, N.M. 536. The Sandia Peak Tram as an access to the ski run will open as snowfall permits.
Sandia Peak skiing and boarding will be accessed from Chair No. 4 and the Mitey Mite. Ski area hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All facilities will be open, including the Double Eagle II Cafe, Snow Sports School, Cubby Corner children’s facility, rental shop and Sandia Peak Sports Shop.
For more information, visit www.sandiapeak.com.