Image Credit: Sandia Peak Ski Area

Albuquerque, New Mexico — Sandia Peak’s second season on the comeback trail started with great momentum. Fall snowfall in the Southwest allowed some ski areas to open earlier than expected, which included Sandia Peak.

Since then, the Southwest has struggled mightily to see snowfall. While the Southwest did see some precipitation last week, which did provide a nice refresh to ski areas, it didn’t put a much of the dent in the snowpack averages. According to KQRE, the current weather pattern isn’t helping, with record warm February temperatures reached in Albuquerque and other towns and cities in New Mexico this week.

The snow water equivalent percentage in New Mexico is well below the median average from 1991-2020.

In response to this lack of snowfall, Sandia Peak Ski Area has decided to shut down its lifts temporarily. This is because of the warm weather that the ski area has recently seen, along with the minimal snowpack. So far this winter, Sandia Peak has only received 44 inches of natural snowfall. Much of that snowfall came in November.

Sandia Peak remains optimistic that this closure will only be temporary, with cold temperatures in the evenings scheduled in the days ahead. If the temperatures are cold enough, Sandia Peak will be able to make snow. However, not much natural snowfall is projected for the New Mexico ski area in the days ahead.

Image Credits: Sandia Peak Ski Area, U.S. Department of Agriculture

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