Santa Fe (Albuquerque, Las Vegas, Espanola: living in, move, authority)

[Seabiscuit]

Just wanted to ask anyone if they knew what the winters were like in Santa Fe? It says there's about 25 inches per year of snowfall and I was wondering how often it snowed, and if the snow stays on the ground all winter? During the summer, does the temperature go above 85 often? Also, are there any good-sized lakes and/or rivers near to Santa Fe where you can go fishing, boating and jet-skiing? One more question... is Santa Fe similar to Sedona, Arizona? Thanks!

[mmckenna]

My elderly parents live in Santa fe and they love the winters compared to Boston, where they are from. Snow never stays on the ground long, usually just a dusting that's gone by noon, but on a rare occasion you can get a foot deep outside the city. The only trouble I ever had with snow was really more about the wind, which blew what little snow there was around so hard that I had a terribly difficult time seeing out my windshield while driving from the airport. The relief route was pretty icy as well and tough to drive, but overall the problems never last more than a day. I am not an authority though, any native Santa Fe'ans want to respond?

[nm_photojournalist]

Santa Fe is pretty cold in the winter, unless you're from Michigan or such. Probably about 35/15 in January...but I'm guessing...add 5 degrees for Albuquerque. Remember, Santa Fe is 7,200ft. in elevation. I would guess your snow estimate would be about right, and even with a freak big snow, it's melted in a couple days. The Santa Fe Ski Area is only a few miles up into the mountains, and very popular throughout the winter.
In summer, Santa Fe will usually top out at about 90 max.
We have such low humidity, and so much sunshine though, that it "feels" much warmer than it really is during the winter.
So much pertaining to snow varies from year to year. In the winter of 2005-2006 it was a very dry winter, with the ski areas of Northern New Mexico barely able to stay open. Last winter, we had bountiful snows. Go figure Mother Nature...she always has the last word doesn't she? ;-)

The Rio Grande River north of Espanola (17 miles north of Santa Fe) offers fishing, and river rafting. Abiququ Lake, NW of the city has boating, fishing, etc. but I'm not sure if it's a "no wake" lake or not. Between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, Cochiti Lake is a favorite of Sailboarders, and Fisherman too...and it "is" a no wake lake. SE from Santa Fe, Santa Rosa Lake and State Park, offer full activities such as you describe...it is approximately 110 miles from Santa Fe. Las Vegas, 60 miles east on I-25, also has Storrie Lake. Small streams are also good for trout in the Jemez Mts. to the west, and Pecos River (still a stream near it's headwaters) above the town of Pecos, NM east of Santa Fe.
Hope this helps you out a bit.

[Seabiscuit]

thank you both mmckenna and nm_photojournalist, both of you have been very helpful! I've been to Arizona but never to New Mexico (only near the AZ/NM border) so I'd assume the landscape is similar? How would you compare the two? Have either of you been to Arizona? I love Arizona (particularly Sedona) so I'm hoping New Mexico is just like it.

[mmckenna]

One difference I find interesting when flying from Albuquerque to Phoenix: It always amazes me to see palm trees as we descend into Phoenix. You will not see those in NM, I don't think. Could be the elevation issue?

[Seabiscuit]

that's right, I forgot about the palm trees there, it is kind of strange. What I found very beautiful, although a little odd just because of what I'm used to, was seeing a lake in the middle of the desert and palm trees on the shore/cliff areas at I think it was Roosevelt Lake in AZ.

nm_photojournalist... you are a resident of Santa Fe right? If you don't mind me asking, have you lived there your whole life or did you relocate and how long have you been there? Just curious to see if you really enjoy living in Santa Fe because it may be a possible move for us. I do love Sedona, AZ so if it's anything like this town, I know I will love it. I am also happy about having 4 distinct seasons although I was hoping the snow stayed a little longer because I always wanted to experience a white Christmas. The weather seems so ideal there, as it doesn't seem to get too hot nor are the winters brutal. I was also wondering if it had a "small town" feel and if people were friendly there? Is it a peaceful/serene place? As I remember the desert has very distinct smells and sounds, so different from any other place. I did feel at peace in certain parts of Arizona.

[ConsiderThis]

Hi,

I took a picture of my ponderosa covered in snow... and of my icicle.
Christmas-Brie-2006

When we moved here, many moons ago, we were told that Santa Fe doesn't do snow removal from streets, because if you just wait a bit the sun will melt the snow.

Which is true.

The big snow last year was unusual... previously we'd had a pretty long drought.

The thing about Santa Fe snow, is that the flakes tend to be just HUGE so that they make things look especially beautiful.

[istan]

Originally Posted by Seabiscuit

Just wanted to ask anyone if they knew what the winters were like in Santa Fe? It says there's about 25 inches per year of snowfall and I was wondering how often it snowed, and if the snow stays on the ground all winter? During the summer, does the temperature go above 85 often? Also, are there any good-sized lakes and/or rivers near to Santa Fe where you can go fishing, boating and jet-skiing? One more question... is Santa Fe similar to Sedona, Arizona? Thanks!

Hello... I wonder where 'Seabiscuit' lives now or has lived? Where will you be coming from to Santa Fe? immediately and generally?
It might better facilitate the contemplation/s you desire about 'the city different.' I would guess you lived by the sea or got to the ocean frequent enough to affect your casual choice in screen name.

Where did you do the bounce to Arizona 'from...?'

They say Santa Fe has a population of about 75,000 in a county (Santa Fe Co.) of perhaps 125,000... it is the capitol of the state; Has a long history of a balance of 3 cultures; and a 100 year history or so of a promotion of Art
(the Arts--the 'anglo cultural orientation to commercing in Art...')

I'll try to get a friend to look into this and share some interesting info and PR