Mike Smith
El Rito Media
msmith@currentargus.com

Above normal temperatures and lack of snow prompted closure of two New Mexico ski areas in the past week.

Sandia Peak near Albuquerque closed Feb. 4 and Ski Cloudcroft closed Feb. 11. More information about Sandia Peak can be found online at www.sandia.ski. For updates on conditions and closings at Ski Cloudcroft, call 575-682-2333 or email: info@skicloudcroft.com

Andrew Mangham, a hydrologist with the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, said snowfall across New Mexico has been abysmal.

He said Snotel sites, remote weather stations in the mountains that collect snowpack and climate data, noted historical lows based on 30-year data.

“The range of snow is 0% of normal in the southwest (New Mexico) to as high as 46% along the Canadian River,” Mangham said. “The ski resorts have not had much in snow.”

Christy Germscheid, executive director of Ski New Mexico, remains hopeful for New Mexico’s ski areas but foresees no immediate improvement.

“There’s a little snowfall in the north on the horizon for this week,” she said, adding that Angel Fire “got a dusting but no big accumulation” Feb. 10.

Mangham said snow was possible this weekend in New Mexico’s mountain areas above 8,000 feet.

The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center promised no significant relief, according to the Feb. 18-24 long-range outlook.

Temperatures across New Mexico’s ski areas were expected to be near or above normal and precipitation was forecast to near or below normal.

Here are reported skiing conditions as of Tuesday, Feb. 11:
(Information provided by Ski New Mexico)

Angel Fire had a base depth of 25 inches with 46 of 86 trails open and 7 of 7 lifts open.

Pajarito Mountain had a base depth of 10 inches with 28 of 53 trails open and 3 of 6 lifts open.

Red River had a base depth of 24 inches with 45 of 64 trails open and 7 of 7 lifts open.

Sipapu Ski Area had a base depth of 18 inches with 13 of 44 trails open and 4 of 6 lifts open.

Ski Apache had a base depth of 10 inches with 2 of 55 trails open and 2 of 8 lifts open.

Ski Santa Fe had a base depth of 34 inches with 79 of 90 trails open and 6 of 7 lifts open.

Taos Ski Valley had a base depth of 27 inches with 64 of 120 trails open and 12 of 13 lifts open.

Snow conditions could change after report is compiled.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-308-8734 or via email at msmith@currentargus.com.