Crystal, NM Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Crystal, San Juan County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Crystal?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged flash flooding on 43 days in the Chuska Mountains forecast zone and San Juan County — the most common reported hazard around Crystal, mostly in July and August. Next come damaging thunderstorm winds (26 days) and heavy snow & winter storms (8 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash flooding | 43 | Oct 2025 | Aug 5, 2016 · 1 death · $50,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 26 | Jun 2026 | Aug 21, 2024 · $3.0 million damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 8 | Mar 2024 | — |
| Lightning casualties & damage | 5 | Aug 2009 | Aug 2, 2003 · 1 death |
| Excessive heat | 1 | Nov 1998 | Nov 11, 1998 · 1 death |
| Flooding | 1 | Jun 2015 | — |
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 Chuska Mountains forecast zone and San Juan County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
Which radars cover Crystal?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KABX (Albuquerque, NM), about 136 miles east-southeast. 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 Crystal | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KABX Albuquerque, NM | 136 mi east-southeast | 15,500 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KFSX Flagstaff, AZ | 160 mi southwest | 20,200 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KGJX Grand Junction, CO | 214 mi north | 32,700 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 Crystal
NOAA has no tornado on record within 25 miles of Crystal since 1950.
Hail: 1 report of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.25-inch hail on August 14, 2003.
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 Crystal'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.
Crystal radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Crystal, NM?
KABX (Albuquerque, NM), about 136 miles east-southeast. KFSX (Flagstaff, AZ) is 160 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Crystal?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Crystal the lowest scan from KABX is about 15,500 ft up, so light snow from shallow clouds can be under-shown — check NWS winter alerts too.
Is TALON's radar for Crystal 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 Crystal, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Gallup, NM radar 38 mi