Taos Valley residents awoke to the season’s first substantial snowfall on Saturday, November 14. Snow began falling around noon and is expected to continue into the evening, delivering between three and seven inches of accumulation in the upper elevations of the Upper Rio Grande Valley.
Winter weather advisory issued
The National Weather Service in Albuquerque described the conditions as “raw and gloomy,” and warned motorists to expect slick roads and reduced visibility, especially at higher elevations. A winter weather advisory remains in effect for the Tres Piedras and Tusas Mountains area until 9 p.m. Saturday, with U.S. 64 west of Tres Piedras flagged as potentially treacherous.
Snow totals and forecasts
By 1 p.m., the Poco Gusto webcam at Taos Ski Valley recorded nearly five inches of snow on the ground. The resort, which started making snow in mid‑October, reported a base depth of nine inches and forecast an additional four to eight inches of daytime snowfall, according to Open Snow. Temperatures in the ski valley hovered in the upper 20s (°F) on Saturday afternoon.
The weather service also predicts snow mixed with rain to continue across the Upper Rio Grande Valley into the night, followed by patchy freezing fog on Sunday morning. High temperatures on Sunday are expected to reach about 50 °F, with lows in the 20s overnight.
Local ski resorts prepare for the season
Several regional ski areas are gearing up for the holiday season. Taos Ski Valley and Ski Santa Fe plan to open on Thanksgiving Day, while Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort will begin its winter season on November 20. Red River Ski and Summer Area is set to open on November 25, Angel Fire Resort on December 11, and Pajarito Mountain on December 4. Visitors are encouraged to check each resort’s website for the latest opening‑day updates.
Future snowfall chances
Forecasters see an 80 percent chance of additional snow and rain returning to Taos County late Tuesday night, November 17, and persisting into Wednesday.
Motorists are urged to travel cautiously, allow extra time for trips, and stay informed of evolving conditions through local news outlets and the National Weather Service.
Original reporting: Taos News — read the source article.
