Cochiti, NM Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Cochiti, Sandoval County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Cochiti?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged flash flooding on 69 days in the Santa Fe Metro Area forecast zone and Sandoval County — the most common reported hazard around Cochiti, mostly in July and August. Next come high winds (22 days) and damaging thunderstorm winds (20 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash flooding | 69 | Sep 2025 | Jul 3, 2025 · 1 death |
| High winds | 22 | Apr 2026 | Feb 26, 2023 · $5,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 20 | Jun 2026 | Dec 1, 2007 · $100,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 17 | Nov 2024 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 4 | Aug 2019 | Jul 4, 2009 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 3 | Apr 2023 | Apr 12, 2023 · $1.0 million damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 2 | Jan 2025 | — |
| Dust storms | 2 | Mar 2025 | Apr 22, 2022 · $100,000 damage |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, 1996–2026 (the latest year is partial). A "day" is a date with at least one report in the Santa Fe Metro Area forecast zone and Sandoval County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Cochiti get?
A normal year brings about 8.2 inches of snow to Cochiti, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Cochiti Dam weather station 2.4 miles away. The snowiest month is usually December (2.8 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.6 | 2.8 | 2.1 | 1.8 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Cochiti?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KABX (Albuquerque, NM), about 42 miles southwest. Radar beams climb as they travel, so the height of the lowest scan over town decides how low in a storm the radar can see.
| Radar | Distance | Lowest beam over Cochiti | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KABX Albuquerque, NM | 42 mi southwest | 2,800 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KFDX Cannon AFB, NM | 168 mi east-southeast | 22,000 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KHDX Holloman AFB, NM | 176 mi south | 23,500 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
Beam height is the center of the 0.5° scan above the radar, with standard refraction. Mountains near a radar can block it further.
Tornado & hail history near Cochiti
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 11 tornadoes within 25 miles of Cochiti. Most came in May and June. The strongest was an F1 on April 15, 1971, which touched down about 21 miles east of town. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on May 11, 2024, which touched down about 19 miles northwest of town.
Hail: 80 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 2 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 2.75-inch hail on June 17, 1969.
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center — tornadoes 1950–2025, hail 1955–2025. Distances are to each tornado's track; ratings before February 2007 use the original Fujita scale.
On TALON you get Cochiti's live radar loop, rain/snow/ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks with arrival times and NWS warnings free; close-up radar and rotation detection are part of TALON Pro.
Cochiti radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Cochiti, NM?
KABX (Albuquerque, NM), about 42 miles southwest. KFDX (Cannon AFB, NM) is 168 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Cochiti?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Cochiti the lowest scan from KABX is about 2,800 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Cochiti free?
Yes — the US radar loop, rain/snow/ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and NWS warnings are free in any browser. Close-up radar, rotation detection and longer forecasts are part of TALON Pro.
Should I rely on radar for my safety?
No app replaces official warnings. When the National Weather Service issues a warning for Cochiti, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Santa Fe, NM radar 21 mi
- Bernalillo, NM radar 24 mi
- Rio Rancho, NM radar 30 mi
- Corrales, NM radar 30 mi
- Española, NM radar 31 mi
- Edgewood, NM radar 34 mi
- Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM radar 35 mi
- Pecos, NM radar 38 mi
- Albuquerque, NM radar 39 mi
- Moriarty, NM radar 45 mi