The official NWS airport total snowfall as of 11:26 AM was 15.6 inches. Around town the total accumulation runs from 10 to 20 inches, generally more in the Northeast Heights and near the Sandia Mountains.
The highest total in the state, so far, is 32 inches near Santa Fe.
Update at 1PM: I shoveled some a little of the driveway just now to relieve the cabin fever. I’d say 20 inches is a fair tabulation, but it was snowing enough to cover the surface as I shoveled. The snow on the ground is surprisingly light considering the temperature is now above freezing. I could hear very, very few cars passing by on nearby Tramway (a major road). In fact, the most distinct sound was a train whistle — and the tracks are about eight miles away.
This is NewMexiKen’s eighth winter in Albuquerque. It’s the first time I have ever had the snow shovel (which migrated here with me from Virginia) off its hook in the garage.
Update 3PM: The clouds have lifted enough to show some of the mountains. So beautiful. A great day to love ‘Burque. Think I’ll go shovel another 40 square feet. 😉
Nice! Got any photos?
Earlier on NMK Chantal I referred readers to your photos at Duke City Fix. I have posted a few down the page during the past 36 hours.
I shoveled enough of the driveway to know that if I did any more it would be only to let the EMTs have a snow-free place to park.* (Elaborating on what I said earlier, the snow shovel still has the January 1999 movers’ sticker on it.)
My next door neighbor has a snow blower and cleared his own and at least two other driveways. I’m hoping he just thinks I’m still out of town.
* Actually the driveway is shoveled 15-feet-wide all the way to the street.
I’ve been getting emails and photos from everyone I know in Albuquerque. The Abq Journal has their e-pages for free now since their trucks can’t get out, so I’ve been reading about the storm there too.
My youngest is traveling to Abq from California where she’s visiting friends, and she was hoping to snowboard. Guess that won’t be a problem now!