Staff report
After the record-setting storm crippled both interstates and dumped 11.3 inches of snow at the Albuquerque International Sunport on Dec. 29, it can be hard to imagine that no two flakes are alike.
David Gutzler, an earth and planetary sciences professor, said the odds are in favor of a wet winter in New Mexico.
"The winter forecast is for better chances than average for a good snow pack," he said. "But I wouldn't stick my neck out to say we're going to have another storm like this one."
Gutzler said the storm on Dec. 28 and 29 was a special one, because the conditions were just right for Albuquerque to receive large amounts of snow. He said El Ni§o's location pushes storms across the southern tier of California, through Arizona and into New Mexico.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
"When there's an El Ni§o over winter and spring, there's abundant precipitation," he said. "Historically, when there's been an El Ni§o in the equatorial Pacific - as now - that tends to drag the Pacific storm wind southward."
However, just because the end-of-the-year storm followed that pattern does not mean the Pacific storm wind will be aiming at New Mexico all winter, Gutzler said.
"What I will be interested to see is, as a climatologist, if the general track of Pacific storms now stays toward a southward track," he said.
Gutzler said making predictions is complicated because the data is based on climate statistics, so predictions won't always be right.
"Just like a poker player playing the odds," he said. "You don't win every hand."
Tips for driving in winter weather
If you need to go somewhere, leave early. Don't try to make up time on the road.
On icy or snow-packed roads, drive slower than the posted speed limit and use a low gear. Do not use cruise control.
Allow plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Turn on your lights for better visibility.
Stay behind the snowplow trucks and avoid passing big rigs, as the visibility can be decreased by blowing snow.
Keep your windshield, headlights and taillights clean.
Take extra precautions on bridges and overpasses, as they tend to freeze.
If you start to slide
Take your foot off the accelerator.
Steer in the direction you are sliding.
If you have standard (nonABS) brakes, you should pump them lightly and attempt to steer out of trouble. If the brakes lock, you cannot steer. At that point, release the brakes to steer, then pump them again until you are out of danger.
If you have ABS brakes, do not pump them. Apply steady pressure. You will feel the pedals pulsating against your foot. This is normal, and you should be able to steer to avoid the hazard.
Tips for you vehicle
Always have gloves, caps, blankets, flares, flashlights, an ice scraper, shovel, tire chains, jumper cables, dried fruits, nuts, hard candy and water in case you become stranded.
Carry sand or kitty litter in your trunk to use as traction if you get stuck. Clear a path with the shovel and pour it in the path of the tires---front tires if front wheel drive, rear wheels if rear wheel drive.
Do not spin the tires; slowly ease your way forward or backward.
Make sure your battery is maintained for those cold starts.
If you become stranded, start your vehicle every 10 minutes to stay warm. Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of debris and snow.
Do not leave your vehicle unless you know where you are and help is not far.
Courtesy of the New Mexico State Police Department
