CW3E Event Summary: 17-20 October 2024

28 October 2024

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Complex Storm Produces Heavy Snow in CO and Record-Breaking Rainfall in NM

• An amplifying mid-level shortwave trough over the western US evolved into a cutoff low over AZ, setting the stage for widespread precipitation in the Four Corners region.
• The combination of strong synoptic-scale forcing, large instability, ample moisture, and strong vertical wind shear created favorable conditions for the development of organized convection over eastern NM on Sat 19 Oct.
• These thunderstorms produced very heavy rainfall, particularly in the vicinity of Roswell, NM (> 6 inches).
• Roswell received nearly 50% of its annual precipitation in a 6-hour period and set a new all-time daily precipitation record (5.78 inches).
• Based on NOAA Atlas 14, the observed 6-hour rainfall at Roswell exceeded the 500-year storm.
• Snowfall accumulations of 1–2 feet were also observed in the Uinta and San Juan Mountains.
• Some locations received the equivalent of ~15% of their typical annual peak snowpack during this event.
• Extremely heavy rainfall in southeastern NM caused flooding along the Pecos River south of Roswell.
• Life-threatening flash flooding occurred in Roswell and Chaves County, where more than 300 people were rescued from floodwaters.
• Nearly 40 people were hospitalized and two fatalities were reported.

Summary provided by C. Castellano, D. Nash, S. Bartlett, and J. Rutz; 28 Oct 2024

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