This squall was associated with the passage of a Pacific cold front, which was part of a strong weather system that affected much of the United States during the March 7-9 period. High moisture content in the air ahead of the front, relatively steep lapse rates, and strong forcing from the front were all likely factors in the intensity of the squall. The larger weather system produced heavy snow in the California mountains, parts of the Colorado mountains, and in Minnesota and the Dakotas. A significant severe weather outbreak occurred in parts of the South, and strong winds, both thunderstorm and non-thunderstorm, occurred in a number of areas. The Albuquerque Sunport recorded a 69 mph gust when the Pacific cold front passed through there.
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