From December 2, 2022 post.
Did you know 75 mph wind was recorded on a high ridge line in Taos Ski Valley last week? And more wind is expected overnight, with potential peak wind gusts of 55 to 75 mph, especially along the east slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. With that in mind, here are some safety tips when visiting the Forest during high wind events:
- First when possible, stay out of the Forest when there are strong winds that could blow down trees.
- Strong winds may weaken unstable trees. Be particularly watchful during wind events, not just for falling trees and limbs but flying debris.
- If you are already in the forest when winds kick up, head to a clearing out of reach of any potential falling trees.
- Strong winds can make driving difficult, especially high profile vehicles such as motorhomes, campers and trucks. Be careful on bridges and overpasses.
- Pay attention to high wind advisories and high wind warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Locally, you can follow US National Weather Service Albuquerque New Mexico.
More tips can be found at our "Know Before You Go" wind webpage: https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/wind
(Photo: A tree that fell onto an outhouse at Middle Fork Lake near Red River, NM)
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up