Storm Batters Cloudcroft; Water News; NM Downwinders Eligible for RECA; Recommended Reading, and More
Follow the story with the Reader, the Voice of the Mountain.
Winter Hits the Village—Hard.
After months of warmer-than-average temperatures and little moisture, Cloudcroft got over a foot of snow over the weekend.
Broken poles, fallen limbs and trees, and heavy snows caused major power outages across the Sacramento Mountains.
Otero County Electric Cooperative (OCEC) reported significant damage to infrastructure: in initial assessments, at least 10 broken poles and 10–12 broken crossarms were identified, along with countless fallen trees that are complicating restoration efforts to the “over 3,000 meters” without power over the weekend.
In brutal temperatures and icy conditions, OCEC launched a large, multi-agency response that included OCEC line personnel, vegetation crew members, additional lineworkers from A.R.C. Power Line Construction, and equipment operators from Batte Gravel and Peñasco Gravel companies.
From the OCEC Facebook Page on Tuesday, January 27:
“Since many of you are sitting in your home with electricity flowing for the first time in several days, you can attest to the significant progress made toward storm restoration efforts today. We are down to 26 meter outages outside the Sac Peak line, and crews will continue work tomorrow morning to get those back on.
While we still can’t give an absolute time of restoration for Timberon, we want to express our gratitude for the contractor crews working alongside our team, who are putting in long hours to help repair the Sac Peak line. The progress they have made today is impressive.”
The co-op reminds folks to report outages by calling 1-800-548-4660.
Contributing Editor Drew Gaines delivers this Reader Reel report:
Your Wednesday Review continues after this brief message. Thank you to our sponsor, Ski Cloudcroft:
Follow Ski Cloudcroft on Facebook for regular updates on seasonal openings. Tubing and the bunny hill are slated to open this Saturday, January 31st.
Village Water Update: Hired Leak Detectives Delayed by Storm
Public Works Supervisor Joe John “JJ” Carrizal confirmed that McKim & Creed, the contracted help for finding water leaks in the village, will start their search after the storm, due to complications from the foot or more of snow on the ground.
Read more about the inspired hire:
Sunspot Extends Observatory Closure
After a recent mercury leak at the Sunspot Solar Observatory, this message was posted to the Sunspot Facebook on January 22:
“In order to ensure the safety of all workers, personnel and the public, Sunspot Observatory (including the Dunn Solar Telescope, the Visitor Center, the surrounding areas, and local hiking trails) is CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC for the foreseeable future.”
“We apologize for any inconvenience. On the morning of January 5th, two NMSU staff members inside the Dunn Solar Telescope (DST) observed liquid mercury on the platform. Proper safety protocols were implemented immediately to ensure the safety of both on-site personnel. The DST, the surrounding observatory building, and visitor center will remain closed until further notice while appropriate remediation measures are implemented. There is no immediate concern for public or environmental safety, and the proper authorities have been notified.”
Your Wednesday Review continues after this brief message. Thank you to our sponsor, Off the Beaten Path:
What We’re Reading: The Native Plants and Nature Digest Newsletter on Substack
Naturalists, gardeners, and outdoor enthusiasts weigh in, alongside weather and public lands updates. Great photos, too.
Russell Davis, aka Otero County Botanicals, hosts two smart, brief newsletters: Native Plants and Nature Digest and Gardening in Otero County—both are worth a follow:
Coming Soon: Mountain Talk Podcast with Jonny Coker Interviews Mayor Dusty Wiley
Last week, local reporter and producer Jonny Coker hosted the inaugural Mountain Talk audio/video podcast, taped at his studio in Cloudcroft.
His first guest: Mayor Dusty Wiley, Cloudcroft’s newly elected leader.
Hannah Dean joined Jonny in the mayor’s first post-election interview and will publish a written interview after the first episode airs.
Stay tuned for information on how you can see and hear Mayor Wiley for yourself.
The Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by The Elk Shed:
Promote Your Business
Learn about sponsorship opportunities for your business in support of the Reader. Contact us for more information at sponsorship-info@cloudcroftreader.com
Cloudcroft Reader is proud to be sponsored in part by great companies like:
Noisy Water Winery
Family-owned winery crafting thoughtfully made wines from New Mexico grapes, inspired by mountain living.Be in the Mountains Yoga & Massage
A cozy space for yoga and massage therapy at the Village PlazaOsha Trail Depot
Your destination for unique, hand-crafted treasuresJohn R. Battle, CPA, CVA, MAFF, CMAA
Personal & Business Taxes, Tax Planning & ConsultingThe Stove and Spa Store
We offer a variety of services to ensure your hearth and spa dreams are met!The Lodge at Cloudcroft
Landmark Choice Among New Mexico ResortsSacramento Camp & Conference Center
Come to the Mountain — Let God Refresh Your SoulLaughing Leaf Dispensary
Discover a world of wellness at Laughing LeafInstant Karma
Adventure Within: Transformative Yoga, Ayurvedic Wisdom, Nourishing Organics, Fair Trade BoutiqueOff the Beaten Path
Eclectic gifts & original artworkFuture Real Estate
Raise your expectations.Ski Cloudcroft
The Southern ski area in New Mexico.Cloudcroft Therapeutic Massage
Maximizing Movement, Quality of Life ImprovementHigh Altitude
Your favorite little outdoor outfitter on Burro AvenueBlushing Yucca Esthetics
✨ Book your glow-up today✨The Elk Shed
Purveyors of Southwest Mountain Goods & FineryThe PAC
Pickleball Addicts of Cloudcroft—Pickleball in the CloudsPeñasco Valley Telephone Cooperative
For all the ways you love to connectBre Hope Media
Professional photo and video services
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