When stable air flows over the rugged terrain in and
around New Mexico, mesoscale circulations known as mountain waves
can develop. An example is shown in the visible satellite image below.
When the wind speed is sufficiently strong and perpendicular, or
nearly-perpendicular, to mountain ranges, waves develop over and
downstream of the barriers. If enough moisture is present in the
air, clouds will develop in the portion of the wave with upward vertical
motions. While the wind speeds may be 30 kts or greater, the waves
remain nearly
stationary for periods up to several hours. While these waves are
visually appealing, both in satellite imagery and from the ground
as lenticular clouds, these waves are often associated with turbulence
and therefore, are considered to be an aviation hazard.
A study on criteria associated with mountain waves over New Mexico
was recently completed, and is available in pdf
format. |
weather.gov 
