Two hikers who had planned to climb La Luz trail were stuck on a cliffside between Sandia Crest and the tramway after heavy snow accumulated Thursday at around 7 p.m., while Friday’s weather caused at least one semi truck to slide off Interstate 40 in western New Mexico, officials said.
Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office Mobile Community Action Team, Bernalillo County Fire Rescue, Albuquerque Mountain Rescue and Cibola Search and Rescue responded after the hikers were able to call for help.
The teams started their rescue at around 8:30 p.m. from Ellis Trailhead, according to a tweet from BCSO. The hikers were found at around 1 a.m. and were transported safely at around 3:30 a.m.
Both hikers were taken to a hospital where they were treated for hypothermia and are expected to recover.
“This is a good reminder to our community to be prepared, well trained and have an emergency plan in place when venturing out to explore the Sandias regardless of the weather,” BCSO said in the tweet.
Lost hikers update: La Luz Trail Rescuse @krqe @koat7news @KOB4 @ABQJournal @ABQRAW pic.twitter.com/EvyGiasSja
— BCSO (Sheriff) NM (@BCSONM) March 17, 2023
Indeed, wintry weather made for more of a white than green St. Patrick’s Day in New Mexico. Northern and central parts of the state were blanketed with snow Friday morning thanks to a cold front, resulting in school closures and risky travel conditions.
Residents from metro areas to villages have shared pictures on social media of anywhere from 2 inches to a foot of snow.
The National Weather Service of Albuquerque reported on a tweet that a semi truck slid off I-40 near exit 53 close to Thoreau due to icy road conditions Friday morning. No injuries were reported.
We received a report of a semi-truck sliding off I40 east earlier this morning at Exit 53 in Eastern New Mexico with some wet and icy conditions. Please take it slow on the roads today! #NMwx https://t.co/tj4d4KTw5p
— NWS Albuquerque (@NWSAlbuquerque) March 17, 2023
Meanwhile, schools in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Rio Rancho opted to take a snow day, bringing an early start to a scheduled spring break. And Taos closed all city and government buildings.
In Los Alamos, officials announced Bandelier National Monument would be closed and reopen at noon today, but visitors are urged to check the monument’s website and social media before coming.
“A break in precipitation is expected on Sunday, with temperatures remaining well below average this weekend,” the National Weather Service in Albuquerque said Friday. “The break won’t last long as shower and mountain snow chances return for central and western areas next week. Eastern areas will be warmer and windier.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
