KOAT Snowfall Roundup: Sandoval County Totals Range From Trace to 6 Inches

Snow totals across Sandoval County after the January winter storm varied sharply, with Battleship Rock recording the highest report at 6.0 inches and multiple low readings in urban and river communities. Sandia Park saw 3.3 inches, Placitas had reporting sites around 2.5 and 1.2 inches, Corrales recorded about 1.5 inches at some locations, Rio Rancho readings ranged from roughly 2.0 inches down to trace amounts, and Bernalillo stations reported between 0.4 and 0.8 inches.

KOAT’s statewide snowfall roundup aggregated community observer and station reports and was updated Jan. 26, 2026 at 8:14 AM MST, offering a snapshot of highly localized conditions across the county. These pocketed totals matter because even a few inches can create hazardous driving conditions on two-lane county roads, affect bus routes and delay medical and social service appointments for residents who rely on consistent access.

Transportation and utility impacts were the most immediate concern. Snow and residual sleet can leave untreated stretches of Highway 165, Jemez Mountain roads and rural access lanes slick well after precipitation ends, increasing the risk of collisions and isolating homes without four-wheel drive. Power stress is a second concern where low-hanging branches or localized ice accumulation can lead to outages; smaller systems that serve Corrales, Placitas and Bernalillo can be slower to restore in remote pockets compared with larger municipal networks.

Public health implications include increased risk of hypothermia and falls for seniors and people experiencing homelessness, and barriers to reaching clinics or pharmacies for those without reliable transportation. Homebound residents and families with limited heating resources may face disproportionate consequences from even modest snow totals. Community organizations and mutual aid networks often fill gaps when official services are delayed, so neighbor-to-neighbor checks and communication with local emergency dispatch remain important.

For people planning travel or essential appointments, expect variable conditions block by block. Localized totals mean that a route that was passable in Rio Rancho in the morning could become slick later in shaded corridors near the Sandia foothills. Residents should monitor their local road reports and utility outage maps and be prepared for lingering icy patches on sidewalks and secondary roads.

This roundup underscores a familiar pattern for Sandoval County: weather that is highly variable over short distances can amplify inequities in access to services and emergency response. In the days ahead, attention to warming needs, check-ins for medically vulnerable neighbors, and cautious driving on county and mountain roads will reduce harm as crews clear and assess local infrastructure.