Winter Storm Hammers Southern New Mexico Mountains: Heavy Snow Persists in Cloudcroft and Ruidoso, Power Outages Reported Including Sunspot Area

Alamogordo, NM – January 24, 2026 – A relentless winter storm continues to impact the Sacramento and Capitan Mountains in southern New Mexico, with heavy snow falling through Saturday morning in high-elevation communities such as Cloudcroft, Ruidoso, and the remote Sunspot area. The National Weather Service (NWS) Albuquerque has extended warnings and advisories, while utility crews work to address scattered power outages caused by snow-weighted lines, ice accumulation, and wind gusts.

In Cloudcroft, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect through Sunday morning, with an additional 4 to 8 inches of snow expected on top of prior accumulations from Friday’s wintry mix. Higher spots could see totals nearing or exceeding 10 inches. Ruidoso and surrounding Lincoln County areas are under a Winter Storm Warning, forecasting 4 to 12 inches in lower elevations and up to 10 to 18 inches at peaks, followed by dangerously cold temperatures dropping into the single digits.

The remote Sunspot area—home to the National Solar Observatory in the Sacramento Mountains—has also reported power outages, with isolated disruptions tied to the heavy, wet snow and potential ice loading on lines. These outages join scattered reports across Otero and Lincoln counties, where mountain terrain complicates quick restoration efforts. PNM (Public Service Company of New Mexico), the primary utility serving much of the region including Sunspot, Cloudcroft, and parts of Ruidoso, is actively responding. Residents should check the PNM Outage Map for real-time status, as crews prioritize safety and repairs amid ongoing hazardous conditions.

No specific statewide restoration timeline has been announced for all affected areas, but PNM advises customers to report outages via text (#OUT to 78766), online, or by calling 888-DIAL-PNM (888-342-5766). In similar past winter events in the mountains, crews have aimed to restore power as quickly and safely as possible—often within hours to a day once access improves—but current storm persistence may delay efforts. Customers in outage zones are urged to prepare for potential extended durations: stock batteries, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, and safe alternative heating (never use generators indoors). Avoid downed lines and report hazards immediately.

OCEC is getting calls for a widespread outage affecting all communities in and around Cloudcroft. Crews have been dispatched. No other information is available at this time.

Report all outages by calling 1-800-548-4660. 

Travel remains highly dangerous on mountain routes like U.S. Highway 82 through Cloudcroft and roads into Ruidoso, with slick, snow-packed, or icy conditions, low visibility, and possible chain requirements. The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) strongly advises against non-essential travel in these zones.

While lowland areas like Alamogordo have experienced lighter precipitation or mixed effects, the mountains continue bearing the storm’s heaviest impacts. A gradual clearing trend is expected early next week as the system moves out.

Residents and visitors should stay updated:

• NWS Albuquerque (weather.gov/abq) for weather alerts.

• PNM Outage Map (outagemap.pnm.com) for power status and restoration estimates.

• NMDOT via nmroads.com or 511 for road conditions.

Stay safe, limit outdoor exposure, and monitor local broadcasts for the latest on this ongoing winter event.

Sources:

• National Weather Service Albuquerque (weather.gov/abq) – Winter Weather Advisories/Warnings and forecasts for Cloudcroft, Ruidoso, and Sacramento Mountains (January 24, 2026 updates)

• PNM Outage Map (outagemap.pnm.com) – Real-time outage tracking and reporting for New Mexico, including mountain areas

• New Mexico Department of Transportation (dot.nm.gov) – Travel advisories and winter preparations

• Local observations and affiliate reports from 2nd Life Media Alamogordo Town News & KALH Radio in Otero County

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